Market Harborough Station - Action Sooner Rather than Later

"Decisions now that will impact on the future."

"Put in the proposed improvements to Market Harborough Station without delay but do so in a way that accommodates future electrification''

Just two of the sentiments expressed by Harborough Rail Users Group Chair Steve Jones and Harborough Councillor Phil Knowles following a meeting at Market Harborough Railway Station on Friday.

''This is a community need. A matter of ensuring the services at this station will meet the needs of a growing community and the needs of all rail users, sooner rather than later. Indications are that the electrification may be some way off but I suggest that there are considerable parts of the planned improvements that could be delivered without delay" - Cllr Phil Knowles

Steve Jones added: ''The decision to be made is between the full scheme to straighten the tracks and remove the bends through the station both to speed through non-stop trains and give us the full-height, full-length, fully accessible platforms we need, or a more modest scheme to extend the current southbound platform on the existing alignment. Though both options would include a footbridge with lifts to connect the platforms, the latter would offer limited opportunity to improve fully the accessibility of the station. It would also make it much more difficult and expensive to do so once electrification does eventually happen in the years ahead. Straightening the tracks would potentially see a new car park, new ticket office and much more. The difficulty is rumoured to be a remaining shortfall in the package of available funds."

Phil Knowles continued: ''Indications I have received suggest that the upgraded platform crossing facilities with lifts for the less able for improved access are significantly delayed, possibly until 2019. Whatever the delay, I think that we would all like to see signs that work is starting and indications of a timeline for completion.''

Mr Jones and Cllr Knowles intend to contact Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin and to urge him to act without delay.

Cllr Phil Knowles - 07710 026392