Bath MP Ben Howlett along with Bristol North West MP Charlotte Leslie recently met with the Chancellor to discuss the funding issues on the Great Western mainline and to better understand why the electrification has again been delayed.
This followed the government’s announcement in November last year that work to electrify key branch lines on rail routes to Oxford and Bristol has been suspended.
The line between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads was one of four that was deferred by rail minister, Paul Maynard.
Ben said: “We had a frank discussion and my understanding is the issue is greater than just financial which is preventing this project completing on time.
“There is a lack of skilled labour in the UK to actually implement the electrification of mainline services.
“Since meeting with the Chancellor I have spoken with Bath College and the Local Enterprise Partnership to see what can be done to deliver more skilled engineers in this area.
“This should be enhanced as a result of devolution and the new Mayor taking responsibility over for skills funding.
“I will continue to influence where I can to try and get this key piece of mainline electrified.”
1 Comment
simhedges
Saturday 7th January, 2017 at 12:49The main electrification to South Wales is due to complete by 2020 or so, so just keep those people on hand in the West County and South Wales to continue to work on the remainder of the lines. There is electrification underway already in the North and Scotland, and those people can work on the north-south lines and further lines in the north. Apprentices can replace retirees and grow the workforce. There is no reason why the government could not commit to have the original commitment for GMR electrification completed by 2025, plus some further infill lines such as Kemble to Swindon, and Bath to Portsmouth.