Free Online at www.coastalviewandmoornews.co.uk The Community Newspaper for the Towns and Villages of East Cleveland, Redcar & North York Moors, telling the real news and views of the people of our region Coastal View & Moor News Issue 114 October - November 2020
East Cleveland passenger train takes major step forward A
campaign to reinstate a passenger train line to East Cleveland has taken a major step forward. Earlier this year, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council commissioned a feasibility study on adapting the alreadyexisting train line, which carries freight between Boulby Mine and Teesport, into a passenger service. The study has revealed that there is a strong business case for reviving the route which could improve connectivity for thousands of East Cleveland residents. Currently, the line runs from Boulby Mine via Loftus, Carlin How, Brotton and Saltburn. If passenger links were to return, the hope is that the train would stop in
each destination with connections to Middlesbrough or Darlington and beyond. Notwithstanding the existence of a train line already, the project could cost in excess of £40 million to deliver. The Council is actively working with key partners and exploring funding opportunities, including the Beeching Reversal Fund – a Government fund dedicated to reopening train lines. Cllr Wayne Davies, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “This project would significantly improve connectivity and prosperity for thousands of residents in all areas of our borough. “The Tees Valley is home to global businesses including British Steel,
Boulby ICLand the emerging AngloAmerican polyhalite project. We also have Teesport, the UK’s third largest port, and the Teesworks site which is the UK’s largest industrial zone. It’s so important that our residents in East Cleveland have better access and connections to these employment opportunities. “This train link would also provide reliable transport to training and employment hubs, further and higher education settings, healthcare providers and tourism destinations. “We were expecting this proposal to be more expensive than it is, and we know nothing is guaranteed yet, but we are a lot more hopeful of the possibility."
Statement following a meeting of the Leaders of Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton, Darlington and Hartlepool Borough Councils, the Mayor of Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley Mayor
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peaking on behalf of the group, Cllr Mary Lanigan, who chaired the meeting, said: “We welcome an indication from Government earlier this week that the Tees Valley will not be considered for entering the Tier 3, ‘High High’ local COVID alert restrictions at this stage. “The Tier 2 restrictions were only introduced in the Tees Valley very recently and the data has shown a flattening of coronavirus cases, but we need more time to show that these restrictions are working. “There is clear evidence that the spread of the
virus has slowed in the majority of areas in the North of the North East region, which all went into Tier 2 restrictions some weeks before the Tees Valley. This is encouraging and we need to see the effect in our region before any further restrictions are considered. “In the meantime, we all agree that we cannot let the government off the hook. If we have to be in restrictions so as to prevent the spread of the virus and to save lives then we need the money from government to support our amazing local people and businesses too. We will continue to press them to provide additional funding
to support businesses in our region which are already feeling the impact of Tier 2 restrictions, especially those in our amazing hospitality sector. The Government has received detailed requests from each local authority and it is vital that these are approved; they will allow us to provide timely local support to local people, protect our economy and the livelihoods of everyone in the Tees Valley . “We will continue to work together to protect the health and well-being of local people across every region of the Tees Valley. It is vital that everybody who lives in the region takes some
simple actions to bring down infection rates and avoid the real prospect of further restrictions. “Remember to maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly, wear a mask when required, avoid gatherings, and self-isolate immediately and get a test if you have symptoms. “These key measures are the only way to help stop the spread of the virus, reduce our infection rates, support our businesses and help us all to a more normal way of life.” Editors note: Because of the constant changes we must point ou this statement was made on Wednesday, October 21st.
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