News Release

9th October 2002

RAILTRACK TO BE QUIZZED OVER PLANS FOR STAFFORDSHIRE

With the news this morning (Wednesday 9th October) that the Government has decided to abandon plans for 140mph train service to operate on the West Coast Mainline and that the launch of the 125mph trains service is to be delayed by at least 2 more years, Michael Fabricant will be contacting Railtrack to ascertain what this will mean for the West Coast Mainline upgrade in Staffordshire.

In particular, says Michael Fabricant: "Railtrack had plans to widen the track from 2 lines to 4 right though the centre of Armitage. This will cause huge disruption to the lives of Armitage and Handsacre residents. I want to know whether this project is still going ahead and - if so - when. Railtrack originally proposed an alternative route bypassing Armitage altogether; I want to find out whether this line can be constructed by Railtrack instead. There are similar questions concerning Whittington and Fisherwick. A stretch of line there was to be straightened which will necessitate the demolition of some historic cottages. Will this now be going ahead?

"There has been so much turmoil and change within Railtrack over recent months, no-one seems to be clear about what the current plans are. I intend to find out!", Michael adds.