Sir Gavin Williamson met with the Minister of State for Rail and HS2, Huw Merriman, to discuss improving local train services in Staffordshire.
Sir Gavin has been successful in campaigning for more frequent services from Landywood Station and is continuing to call on the Minister to secure better train links across the region. In particular, Sir Gavin reiterated the need to establish a direct rail link from Stone to Manchester which would boost interconnectivity, benefitting local jobs and businesses. Sir Gavin was also keen to emphasise the benefits of providing more frequent weekend services for Penkridge station.
Sir Gavin has stated that he will continue to make the case for improving local rail links in the wake of HS2. Funds freed up by cancelling HS2 Phase 2 have allowed for £2.2 billion to be allocated to local transport improvements in the Midlands.
Sir Gavin said: “Cancelling the impractical HS2 Phase 2 was a real opportunity to make substantial improvements to our local and regional rail services. I’m keen to boost interconnectivity within Staffordshire and with surrounding powerhouses in order to improve our regional economy. I’ll continue working with Ministers to ensure that no communities in Staffordshire are left behind without adequate public transport.
