London, October 15, 2019 (Yes Punjab News)
Representatives from Parliament, Network Rail, Slough Borough Council, Department for Transport (DfT), Heathrow Airport, Thames Berkshire Valley LEP and Transport for London met in Parliament to discuss the progress of the Western Rail Link to Heathrow (WRLtH).
Whilst Network Rail and DfT have been in discussions over recent months regarding planning, the WRLtH All Party Parliamentary Group’s two Co-Chairs (Tan Dhesi MP and Richard Benyon MP) have also met with the Rail Minister to discuss ways to move this project forward.
Stakeholders also addressed some residents’ concerns regarding congestion and traffic arrangements on Hollow Hill Lane and the Langley Iver area. Although discussions are ongoing, local councils and Network Rail are working on plans for a potential relief road/corridor solution to alleviate pressure on our roads.
In the long term, the WRLtH will hugely reduce congestion and cut emissions dramatically on some of the busiest motorways, as well as reducing train journey times between Heathrow and Slough. By reducing this journey time, Slough will also become even more accessible to businesses and investment, with an estimated £800 million economic activity generated by this project nationally.
Tan Dhesi MP said: “It was great to meet once again with the WRLtH Stakeholder Steering Group to discuss what the next steps are. This long overdue scheme has had cross-party and Government support since 2012, so much needed progress should be made. It is vital that this 4 mile rail link between Slough and Heathrow is built, as it will have huge benefits for the environment, economy and passengers.”
