Madeleine Kirk Seeks Better Local Rail Services

1.15.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st Jul 2008

Madeleine Kirk with the MD of First Harrogate Trains

Madeleine Kirk, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for York Outer, has met with Mark Leving, Managing Director of First Harrogate Trains, to discuss improvements to local rail services. First Harrogate are proposing a new direct rail link between Harrogate and London that would make stops at Poppleton and York stations. The route would run eight times a day, including at peak times.

"The new route would be a brilliant opportunity for residents of York and its villages," Madeleine said. "It would greatly improve public transport for residents of Poppleton as well as offering those travelling from York to London more choice and more opportunities to leave their car at home."

Madeleine also discussed the reopening of rail halts at Strensall and Haxby, which Lib Dems in York have taken the lead in calling for. "Local Liberal Democrats identified over 12 years ago the strength of local support to re-open local railway stations in communities such as Haxby and Strensall," said Madeleine. "Transport is now high on people's lists of concerns. Despite lots of talk by Labour, public transport is expensive and plagued by problems of decades of failure to invest in it by both Labour and Conservative governments.With the cost of driving shooting up, rail services in York Outer would benefit from a much needed boost."

Information about First Harrogate Trains can be found at: http://www.harrogatetrains.co.uk/