Alberto Costa this week hosted an urgent meeting with Network Rail’s East Midlands Route Director Gary Walsh in a last-ditch attempt to bring the public body to the table over the proposed HNRFI plans.
Mr Costa, who has been vocal in his opposition to the proposed development, called on Network Rail to be more transparent in its network and capacity appraisal in relationship to HNRFI proposals.
This comes as the Planning Inspectorate, which is about to reach the conclusion of its 6-month hearing to decide if the development should go ahead, issued Network Rail with a Rule 17 letter demanding that it is more forthcoming with information.
South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa reiterated those concerns in the meeting with Mr Walsh, calling on Network Rail to provide the scientific backing for Network Rail’s figures for an acceptable level-crossing barrier down time. Mr Costa has said that so called industry standard, which according to sources at Network Rail, is 45 minutes, would be completely unreasonable for residents of Narborough and Littlethorpe.
Alberto, who was joined at the meeting be representatives from Blaby District Council, Friends of Narborough Station and the Office of Dr Luke Evans MP, asked Mr Walsh about implications on the HNRFI business case of the proposed hourly increase in the passenger service which stops at Narborough and Hinckley known as Midlands Rail Hub.
Concerns about the safety of the proposals were also put to Network Rail’s Mr Walsh, who promised to provide a full response in due course.
The Planning Inspectorate Hearing on HNRFI is due to conclude on March 12th. The Planning Inspectorate will then take 3 months to produce a report, at which point it will be for Government transport ministers to decide if the development can go ahead.
Alberto said: “I am completely opposed to this application, and it should be clear from Network Rail’s perspective too that the proposals are flawed.
He continued: “From a rail perspective the South Leicestershire Line is not a main line and is not suitable for this development. I am concerned about the negative impact HNRFI would have on the residents of Narborough and the surrounding area. Having listened to constituents’ concerns, it is only right that I continue to raise these with National Rail and the Planning Inspectorate.”
