HUW AND AMBER PLEASED THAT CHANCELLOR RESTATES SUPPORT FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL FOR HASTINGS AND BEXHILL
25.11.15 For immediate release: Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle, asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to re-state government support for the HS1 project for Hastings and Bexhill during the Autumn Statement debate today.
Both Huw Merriman and Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye, are campaigning to bring a high speed rail service from London to Hastings and Bexhill via Ashford to boost growth, provide new jobs and encourage further investment in their constituencies. The strong business case for this project was launched at the De La Warr Pavilion last month which confirmed that it would charge the local economy.
In the Summer Budget the Chancellor announced that the Department of Transport had asked the rail industry to include the project in the Kent Route Strategy which will report back in 2016. Keen to keep the project high on the agenda, Huw Merriman asked the Chancellor to re-state Government support for the project today.
The Chancellor, Rt Hon George Osborne MP, said “I’m happy to re-state my support for the Javelin to Hastings and his constituents in Bexhill and Battle. We are also investing in the roads in the area because that is a particularly congested part of the South East. There are lots of exciting things happening on the south coast as business comes in and the expansion of the University in Hastings. Anything more we can do to boost businesses in his constituency, I am very happy to look at that.”
Speaking after the debate, Huw said “I am delighted that the Chancellor has today confirmed his support of the high speed rail proposal for Hastings and Bexhill. He clearly recognises that importance of encouraging economic growth in this area and the necessity for good transport infrastructure to help make this happen.”
Amber Rudd said "Bringing high speed rail from London to Rye, Hastings and Bexhill is an opportunity to significantly accelerate the growth and development we are seeing in our local area. I am really pleased this is recognised with the continued support of the Chancellor for its inclusion in the forthcoming Kent Route Study."