MP LOBBIES IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL RAILWAY
November 17, 2008 11:57 AM
North Devon MP NICK HARVEY is backing ambitious development plans by the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust. "I am constantly impressed by the hard work and dedication of the Trust. Its vision and ambition is to be wholeheartedly supported. So I am trying to help find new funding.
"Following the announcement of its ambitious extension plans at the end of last year, the Trustees have done sterling work getting all the key regional players onboard.
"I am now lobbying Jane Henderson, the SW Regional Development Agency chief executive to help clarify possible RDA funding streams.
"I am particularly concerned by the Government's announcement that its new £300 million HomeBuy Direct scheme for first time buyers will now be funded by the re-allocation of existing RDA budgets.
"The South West RDA only gets around seven per cent of the national RDA funding so inevitably will feel the pinch.
"Although no decisions have yet been taken, the worry is that this could impact negatively on such worthy projects as the L&BR's Phase 2 reconstruction programme.
"If this proves to be the case clearly the Government is giving with one hand and taking with another."
Notes for Editors
In October 2007, L&BR announced plans for reinstating enough track bed to reopen nine miles (14 km) of track, linking the station at Woody Bay to both Lynton and Blackmoor Gate, and as far as a new station at Wistlandpound Reservoir. The scheme, likely to cost around £29 million, is expected to generate over £70 million for the local community within five years.
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