Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP, to reaffirm the importance of the Chase Line electrification project already underway to electrify the train line running between Rugeley and Walsall.
Amanda has sent the letter in light of the Secretary of State’s recent statement that some major electrification schemes are to be put on hold pending a further consideration of costs. The two major schemes affected are the Midland Main Line and Trans Pennine schemes; there is not currently any indication that the Chase Line electrification would be affected.
However, Amanda has already written to the Secretary of State for Transport to reinforce the strong business case for the electrification of the Chase Line to be completed, and asking for his assurances that it remains on schedule for delivery by December 2017. In her letter, Amanda has stressed that the cost of the electrification of the Chase Line is much smaller than the major schemes which have been paused; but the benefits both to the constituency and strategically for the rail network make the scheme extremely cost-effective.
Commenting, Amanda said “Research suggests that significant regional economic benefits and job creation will result from this scheme and I will work hard to ensure that it is delivered. I have written to the Secretary of State to reinforce the importance of this major investment in the Chase Line and seek his assurances that it will proceed as currently planned.”