Thursday 21 March 2013

Stephen Metcalfe MP spearheads summit to tackle local rail issues


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.”