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Rail minister attends Suffolk conference

Monday, 16th December 2013.

A good rail service is vital to enabling and supporting business growth in Suffolk - that is the message delivered on Friday at the 2013 Suffolk Rail conference attended by the minister for transport Stephen Hammond.

The conference, organised by Suffolk County Council and held at Endeavour House, Ipswich, included keynote speeches from Ben Gummer MP and senior officials from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Greater Anglia.

Delegates, including business representatives, heard about how rail improvements, such as improved rail frequencies, could bring businesses closer together – both across the county and nationally.

Faster journey times between Suffolk and London would also help to make Suffolk a more attractive place for investors.

Mr Hammond said: “This Government recognises the vital importance of strong rail links to local businesses and that is why we are investing record amounts into transforming our network.

“Suffolk is part of those plans and we are committed to working with local partners and the rail industry to identify opportunities that will improve services and drive forward the local economy.”

Cllr Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for roads and transport, said: “Many people have aspirations for rail in Suffolk. It is therefore imperative that we work jointly with our partners and central government to deliver the very best rail service for businesses and for the county’s commuter and leisure travellers.

“Only by businesses, politicians, local authorities and other key partners coming together can we deliver real change for Suffolk’s rail and make the county’s rail service as good as it can be for all those using it.”

Mark Pendlington, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership board member, echoed Cllr Newman’s call for joint working.

He said: “A rail service fit for the times is exactly what we need in Suffolk to improve the future economy and make the county attractive for business growth.

"It’s so good that the campaign led by our MPs, local authorities and business leaders has been heard loud and clear by the Government and action is being taken.

“I am extremely glad to be part of the task force driving these needs to central Government and look forward to working with the partners in getting the outcome we deserve.”

A new rail prospectus is being developed for Suffolk, which will identify the county’s rail needs and the actions required to deliver them.

The Suffolk Rail Prospectus will be aligned to the East Anglia Rail Prospectus. A new version of the East Anglia Rail Prospectus will be available for consultation in spring 2014.

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