Stephen Metcalfe, MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has organised a rail summit with key
stakeholders to discuss some the rail problems affecting local people.
The summit, which is to take
place this coming Friday will bring together all those with an interest in local
rail issues including C2C, Network Rail, DP World’s London Gateway, and local
stakeholders including Councillors, residents and Mr Metcalfe himself.
He commented: “Over the last
few months I have received an increasing number of letters expressing concerns
about rail issues, particularly around delays caused by the lowering of the
level crossing gates and questioning what would happen in an emergency. We need
to understand these issues better and the only way to do this is to come
together, to pool ideas and to discuss potential solutions.”
Among the issues to be
discussed will be the length of time level crossings remain down and the
congestion this causes, emergency services access and the potential impact of
increased freight from London Gateway.
Mr Metcalfe added: “I am
under no illusions, these are not problems that will be solved overnight but I
hope that this summit will be the start of a process that will see improvements
for all concerned.”
“I look forward to the
meeting and would like to thank all those involved for agreeing to attend. I
think together, we can start making a real difference for our local community.”
