MP urges minister to reveal train decision (From The Northern Echo)

Decision sought on Intercity Express Programme

8:14am Thursday 18th November 2010 in Keep The Region On Track By Joe Willis, Regional chief reporter

THE Transport Secretary will be urged today to give the North-East a £7.5bn boost when he makes his first official visit to the region since the election.

No announcement on whether the Government will press ahead with the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) is expected from Philip Hammond.

However, the region’s political, business and union leaders are expected to use the minister’s visit to drive home the message that the North-East is ready and able to meet the challenge of building the next generation of high-speed trains.

Mr Hammond will be speaking at a lunchtime seminar for the North-East Economic Forum (Neef), at the Village Hotel, North Tyneside.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, who has led the campaign to bring IEP to the region, said: “According to the Secretary of State’s office, I am not expecting a decision at the conference, but I do believe, now we are a month on from the Comprehensive Spending Review statement, the North-East, especially the people of Newton Aycliffe where Hitachi would build its factory, deserves an announcement soon.

“The economic boost to the region would be massive if it goes ahead.”

As well as being asked about IEP, Mr Hammond is expected to discuss the Government’s transport plans for the region.

Also addressing the forum will be Martyn Pellew, president of the North East Chamber of Commerce, and North Tyneside Mayor Linda Arkley.

Hugh Morgan Williams, chairman of Neef, said: “Transport and infrastructure is of critical importance to the future growth of the North-East economy.

“Specific projects are already identified, such as the second Tyne Tunnel and the expansion of the region’s airports, which will be significant wealth generators.

“This will be an opportunity for the North-East to hear the coalition Government’s transport priorities and raise questions directly with the Secretary of State.”

The Government’s preferred IEP bidder, Hitachi, has indicated it would build a plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to meet the contract.

About 800 jobs would be directly created, with a further 8,000 in the supply chain.