News Release

19th February 2008

LAFARGE SUPPORTS ALREWAS RAILWAY BID

In a letter to Michael Fabricant in response to his contacting Lafarge Aggregates, Robert Whetstone their Managing Director has offered their practical support to the re-opening of the Lichfield Trent Valley to Wychnor line to passenger traffic and the re-establishment of a halt at Alrewas which will serve the village and visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum. They are also considering financial support for a rail transport feasibility study to be undertaken.

In his letter to Michael Fabricant, Robert Whetstone - Managing Director, Lafarge Aggregates - says:-

"We would like to lend our support to the principle of a new railway station at Alrewas. Indeed, we have actively promoted the idea since the mid-1990s including ensuring that it has been incorporated into the Central Rivers Project and adopted by Staffordshire County Council and Lichfield District Council into supplementary planning policy. We feel it would be a welcome addition to this corner of The National Forest which we have also supported over the years.

"The land which has the most potential for a new station is already allocated in the Staffordshire County Council plan for minerals extraction and I am sure you will recognise that this provides us with an excellent opportunity to work this land to tailor the restoration to ensure that it is well-suited to the establishment of a station. Furthermore, we believe that the land offers scope for projects of varying scales, from a simple platform to a fully functional station and associated facilities which the increasing visitor number of the National Memorial Arboretum may warrant.

"Given our enthusiasm for this project we are willing to consider a financial contribution for a feasibility study to be undertaken and are, in fact, awaiting a detailed breakdown from Network Rail outlining what such a study may entail. We would also be prepared to enter negotiations to identify the best possible arrangements for future ownership and management of the land."

Michael Fabricant comments: "This is a very constructive development which I heartily welcome. I will be working closely with the Arboretum, the Department of Transport, and Network Rail to move this matter on further. With 200,000 visitors to the Arboretum expected in the next 12 months, rising in 5 years time to half a million visitors a year, an alternative means of transport to the overused A38 trunk road simply must be found.