HARROGATE'S business leaders turned out in force to hear submissions for a new Harrogate to London direct rail route.
Tuesday's monthly meeting of the Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce drew representatives from across the district who came to hear the proposals from two rival train companies.
Transdev managing director David Alexander opened the meeting wit
h a summary of Harrogate bus services, followed by a presentation from the current train operator Northern Rail, by head of communication Richard Allan.
This was followed by representations on the proposed new rail route.
National Express East Coast's application would see a two hourly service from Harrogate to London via Leeds, calling at Pannal, Horsforth and Garforth, and at a new parkway on the junction of the M1 and A1 motorways. The journey would last three hours.
Production director Richard McClean said their support network meant they could coordinate timetables and integrate services.
"I have always recognised that Harrogate is an enormously important centre for this region, and a destination in its own right," he said.
"The train service we offer at the moment is not sufficient and Harrogate has deserved the proposals on the table for a long time."
The application from Hull Trains is for four daily return journeys via York, stopping at Starbeck and Knaresborough, with a new bus link to Wetherby.
Passenger development director, Jim Morgan, said their service would be faster, at two hours and 47 minutes.
"We think that developing public transport can help Harrogate's growth, as well as providing public services that people can use. Hull has grown consistently since our services moved in."
A third rail company, Grand Union, has recently submitted a bid for a route from Bradford to the capital which could take valuable space on the line. Both companies united against these proposals, which could limit the number of new trains for Harrogate.
Harrogate Council Leader Coun Mike Gardner said he welcomed the Harrogate bids.
"It's a bit like two buses coming at the same time," he said. "But I would urge people to write to the Office of Rail Regulators and express your views. It's very much a question of Harrogate having to be very selfish – we need to ensure that Harrogate gets the priority on that line."
l To voice support write to the Office of Rail Regulation, One Kemble Street, London, WC2B 4AN.
The full article contains 400 words and appears in Harrogate Advertiser newspaper.
