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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Transport bosses take a direct line
TRANSPORT chiefs in Yorkshire are urging MPs of all parties to back calls for a direct high-speed rail link to Yorkshire. Bus and rail bodies Metro, covering West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive are set to lobby delegates to the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative conferences in a bid to win support. Independent research suggests that a “Y-shaped” network travelling from London to Birmingham and splitting with one “arm” going to Yorkshire could provide £1.5bn to £3bn of productivity benefits to the regional economy as well as transport benefits of about £29bn. It argues that linking the Leeds City Region – which includes Kirklees – with the Sheffield City Region and the three centres of Derby, Nottingham and Leicester as part of a national high speed rail network would connect an area of 6.7m people and 3m jobs.
■ SIGNALS: Clr Chris Greaves, chairman of West Yorkshire Metro
Onward connections to the Tees Valley and Tyne and Wear City Regions would provide access to a
further 2.2m people and 900,000 jobs. The call by Metro and SYPTE echoes demands from the Huddersfield-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce for a “Y-shaped” network rather than a high-speed rail route running to Manchester before linking into Leeds. The last Labour Government recommended in March a “Y-shaped” network. However, in June the government asked for an alternative “Reverse S” shaped route to be considered – providing access to Leeds by a less direct route via Manchester, but excluding the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. “High speed rail has the potential to transform the shape of the national economy,” said Metro chairman Clr Chris Greaves. “To do so it must access the areas with the most significant centres of population and employ-
ment. “We also agree that high-speed rail should serve city centre stations – this will maximise the economic benefits due to the proximity of high value jobs. “City centres are already public transport hubs and therefore would help spread the benefits of high speed rail more widely across the city regions. “They would also act as a focus for regeneration and development. Metro said the latest research also highlighted the need to make improvements to existing rail routes in the short-medium term. It said: “Delivery of high speed rail to the north will be a long-term project, but existing proposals to upgrade and electrify the Midland Main Line, East Coast Main Line, trans-Pennine and Leeds-Sheffield links can deliver substantial benefits, in some cases at modest costs.
Coach routes contract is just the ticket A COACH company in Huddersfield has landed a five-year contract with transport giant National Express. Milnsbridge-based E.Stott & Sons Ltd will operate on two routes for National Express’ scheduled express coach services. The two routes awarded are the Sheffield to Blackpool and Leeds to Blackpool which operate 362 days a year. The contract required the purchase of two new Volvo coaches to National
Express’ specification – costing nearly £500,000. They include passenger comforts such as full leather seating, air conditioning, wheelchair access and CCTV. Commenting on the contract, director Carl Stott, said: “We have worked for National Express for about five years now and we are one of a select group of preferred operators. “We are delighted that National Express gave us the opportunity to
tender for this service as it fits in well with our operations.” Alastair Coxon, head of contracts at National Express said: “We work with local businesses across the UK to ensure we can provide the UK’s largest and most comprehensive network of scheduled coach services. “The dedication of the people at local businesses such as E Stott & Sons helps us to deliver brilliant service for our customers.”
■ FARE DEAL: Driver James Pemberton and one of the coaches
INSIDE On the shortlist A DEWSBURY firm has been shortlisted for an award recognising the UK’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses. TC Bathrooms, based at Bretton Park and one of the biggest employers in Kirklees, is one of five firms in Yorkshire and the north-east to be shortlisted as regional finalists in an initiative run by HSBC.
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Travel plans SECRETARIES who book flights and train tickets for their bosses have been given a big thank-you. Staff at Sellers Travel in Huddersfield staged a lunchtime party for about 40 secretaries and PAs from local organisations.
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