Region’s minister marks year in role

8:56am Saturday 26th July 2008

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THE Minister for the North- East has refused to back calls for a new high-speed rail link to the region, saying the existing line should be upgraded instead.

Nick Brown said it was more important to improve rail services within the North- East and to other areas of the country than to build a new route.

Last month, Network Rail announced a study into the proposal to build a line similar to the French TGV next to the East Coast Main Line, a project business leaders in the North-East have wanted for some years.

Speaking in Newcastle yesterday, Mr Brown said: “Transport has to be a priority – seeing the Metro revitalisation, and making sure connectivity within the region and with the rest of the country is improved.”

But he added: “I want to concentrate on capacity, rather than speed.

“Actually, there’s a need for more connections. I’m more enthusiastic about getting the current link upgraded.”

Mr Brown was speaking on the first anniversary of his appointment as Minister for the North-East, a post created by Gordon Brown when he became Prime Minister.

The Newcastle East and Wallsend MP said: “It’s been a very full and exciting year. My plan is to drive the prosperity of the region, by working closely with local authorities to make economic development the priority.

“Not only have I achieved this, but I have also been able to champion some big private sector projects within Government.”

Mr Brown said more people were in work, more houses had been built, more university places created and a public health initiative aimed at cutting smoking and drinking had been launched.

He said the collapse of Northern Rock was the year’s biggest disappointment, but added: “I think we’ve found the best way through.”

Mr Brown highlighted the development of Teesport, the creation of offshore wind farms, plans for a £300m film studio in east Durham and the development of a renewable energy village upper Weardale, as exciting projects happening in the region.

The minister was speaking at the launch of 12 local area agreements, which set out the priorities for local and national government.