The proposed changes to the East Midlands rail franchise could have a “detrimental impact” on rail users in Wellingborough according to the director of Bovis Homes.
The Stanton Cross developer has launched a campaign to keep Wellingborough connected by rail.
Changes outlined in a consultation will mean an end to intercity trains calling at Wellingborough during peak times as well as a reduction in services from Wellingborough to St Pancras.
Paul Soutar, director of Bovis Homes, fears if the changes go ahead there will be fewer trains serving people wishing to travel from Wellingborough to London, which could result in overcrowding.
Leaflets, urging people to write their comments on the proposals and send them to Paul Maynard, Rail Minister, have been delivered to 8,000 as well as train users.
Speaking to the Northamptonshire Telegraph, Paul Soutar, said: “If the proposed changes to the East Midlands rail franchise go ahead, they could have a detrimental impact on the many rail users in Wellingborough who rely on them now, and on crucial investment needed to support the town’s future growth.
“Wellingborough’s connectivity, with direct rail services to London and Nottingham, is a key attraction to existing and prospective residents as well as employers and businesses wishing to move to the area and invest locally.
“These proposals come at a vital time, as work continues on Stanton Cross which is set to deliver 3,650 homes and about 3,000 jobs, all in close proximity to Wellingborough railway station.”
If the plans are given the green-light passengers wishing to travel north between Wellingborough and Market Harborough, Leicester, Loughborough, Beeston or Nottingham would have to change on to a reduced number of intercity trains stopping at Kettering. Passengers wishing to travel south would have to board trains which started their journey in Corby.
The Keep Wellingborough Connected campaign has the support of Peter Bone MP and Wellingborough Council.