The decision to pause the electrification of the Midland Mainline and continue with other projects represents a “blatant lack of respect” for the region, according to the Chamber’s President.
Work on making the line going through the East Midlands, including Wellingborough station, faster has been halted after Network Rail admitted it had been “overly optimistic” about completing the five-year, £38bn plan.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today that the plan had been “reset” because it was “costing more and taking longer”.
However, Chamber President David Cross said: “This is a serious blow to both the East Midlands and Wellingborough. Work has already been done on the bridges and now it goes on hold. What a turn around by our newly elected government.
“Why hasn’t work on the Western Main Line been ‘paused’? This decision represents a blatant lack of respect for our region and is another example of the East Midlands being shunned in favour of the South.”