Chamber of Commerce discusses Woodhead Tunnel Campaign

Local MP and avid campaigner for the re-opening of the Woodhead Tunnel Angela Smith has met local members of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce to help push the case for the re-opening of this cross-Pennine link.

With a decision due shortly on the future of rail the MP feels it is important that the case for improved rail infrastructure in the north is pushed as hard as possible. She feels the Woodhead could play an important role in that improvement, helping to improve the connections between the North West, South Yorkshire and wider afield.

Also addressing the meeting of businessmen was the Transport Project Director for the Northern Way Group, John Jarvis. He informed the meeting that improved rail infrastructure could mean a £10 billion boost to the national economy, with much of that being in the north.
Commenting, Angela said,
“It is important that if we want to get government to commit to major improvements in new lines and new high speed trains that we as a community tell them how important such improvements are to the north of the country.

It is not just the job of the Regional Development Agencies and politicians to do this. A vital voice in all of that must be the voice of the business community and so it was especially pleasing to address the Barnsley Chamber of Commerce. I believe the meeting was constructive and very informative with much support coming from the business community.”

It is now hoped the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of commerce will add their considerable weight to the growing campaign for new trans-Pennine links between Manchester and South Yorkshire.

ENDS

angela talks to Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce about the Woodhead tunnel

Issued : 15 June 2009

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