On Thursday 14th November, East West Rail launched a non-statutory consultation which will run for 10 weeks until Friday 24th January 2025.
In their own words, this exercise will allow the Company to "present our latest design concepts for East West Rail, including areas where we are considering alternative options. Feedback gathered during the consultation will help us further develop and refine our designs, which we will present at a statutory consultation".
Richard Fuller MP has recorded a video with his thoughts on the latest consultation, which can be watched at https://youtu.be/fKlObYo-bAQ?si=k7cTs6zMOni3Y4Bm.
Commenting, Richard said:
I remain opposed to this project in principle but I will be responding to the consultation and I urge residents to read the proposals and provide feedback to East West Rail as it is important to make your opinion known on some of the points they are consulting on. You can read the proposals, view maps and share your thoughts by visiting https://eastwestrail.co.uk/consultation2024.
East West Rail are also holding in-person events. The events scheduled in and around our area are as follow:
- Bedford: The Grand Hall, Bedford Sixth From, 30 November 2024, 12pm - 5pm
- Bedford: The Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa, 9 December 2024, 2pm - 7pm
- Wilden: Wilden Village Hall, 11 December 2024, 2pm - 7pm
- Tempsford: Stuart Memorial Hall, 13 December 2024, 2pm - 7pm
- St Neots: St Neots Town Football Club, 7 January 2025, 2pm - 7pm
They are also holding three online event - please click on the links to join these at the relevant time:
For full details please see the EWR website: https://eastwestrail.co.uk/consultation2024
Richard Fuller added:
A few days ago, before the launch of the latest consultation for East West Rail, I also caught up at the Polhill Arms with Borough Councillor Nicky Gribble and BFARe Campaign Page representative Peter Norris to discuss how best to handle feedback once the consultation was live.
As ever it was very useful to have the benefit of their extensive knowledge and experience in this area to help shape our thoughts.