HARROGATE Trains' community relations team took to the platform this week to provide rail travellers with more information about the proposals for eight new direct services from Harrogate to London King's Cross.
Representatives from the new company revealed more about what passengers could experience in the future, should plans get the go-ahead.
The team arrived at Harrogate station on Monday to promote the bid and provide information to members of the pu
blic and the local business community.
Mark Leving, managing director of Harrogate Trains, said: “It has been fantastic to see such support and feedback from a variety of background. The lack of an efficient transport link between Harrogate and the capital has been evident for many years, despite many high profile requests. As a result, both the business community and the public are getting on board to be a part of this exciting new venture.”
Harrogate Trains was officially launched at the Yorkshire International Business Convention earlier this month and, since then, support for the proposals has gone from strength to strength.
The proposals have already received a vote of confidence from Harrogate Chamber of Commerce and Trade ahead of a presentation to be held later this month.
Phil Willis, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has also offered his wholehearted support to the scheme and will be attending one of the exhibitions.
He said: “The Harrogate Trains proposal is a much-needed investment in our town’s transport links. This is a much wider issue and the new service will secure Harrogate as a leading conference destination and strengthen links with local villages and the surrounding area.”
“Having looked closely at this proposal, I am confident that, should they be approved, Harrogate Trains will serve commuters to the highest possible standard, as well as offering a faster route to London. I would urge everyone to get behind Harrogate Trains.”
Harrogate Trains Limited intends to run eight daily direct services, four each way, between Harrogate and London. The company behind the proposals is open-access rail operator Hull Trains, established in 2000.
A submission has already been made to the Office of Rail Regulation and those wishing to back it are encouraged to write to Brian Hopkinson, the Access Manager for the development.
Members of the public are also invited to find out more by visiting the team at stations throughout the region over the coming fortnight – more information can be found at www.harrogatetrains.co.uk.
The full article contains 415 words and appears in Harrogate Advertiser newspaper.
