BFARe calls on residents to challenge EWR Co. at upcoming public meeting
Bedfordshire for a Re-consultation (BFARe) is urging all residents affected by the East West Rail (EWR) project to attend a critical public meeting on Thursday, November 6.
The event will feature the EWR CEO and other company representatives, providing a rare opportunity for the community to demand answers directly from the top.
The meeting will take place from 6pm to 8pm at the Trinity Arts and Leisure Centre on Bromham Road (MK40 2BS), with doors opening at 5.45pm. The event will be chaired by Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin.
You can register to attend here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/eastwestrail/1913199
For years, BFARe and thousands of local residents have raised serious and unaddressed concerns about EWR's “disastrous Route E” proposal. The recent confirmation of the project's progression, with demolition notices already served to families in the Poets area, has amplified the community's need for transparency and accountability.
A BFARe spokesman said: “This meeting is not just another opportunity for EWR Co. to present a polished, one-sided narrative. This is our moment to hold them to account. The promises of 'community engagement' have consistently fallen short, leaving residents in a state of 'blight' and uncertainty for far too long."
This all-ticketed event requires registration, and residents have the option to pre-submit questions. BFARe is encouraging attendees to use this facility to highlight key issues that EWR Co. has failed to address in past consultations:
The continued pushing of the unpopular and damaging "Route E", despite viable alternatives being presented by local authorities.
The project's devastating impact on businesses, homes and residents, particularly in the Poets area, with a compensation scheme widely regarded as insufficient and unfair.
The escalating costs and questionable economic case for the project, which has been described as based on "wishful thinking" by BFARe and other bodies.
The lack of transparency and a flawed consultation process, which BFARe has long campaigned against.
The environmental damage to the countryside and loss of valuable green space.
"We urge every resident with concerns to register for this event, pre-submit your hardest questions, and demand the respect and truthful answers our community deserves. We cannot let EWR continue to railroad our community,” added the spokesman.
An EWR Co. spokesperson said: “We understand that communities in Bedford have a range of views on East West Rail and the public meeting we have organised next week gives us the opportunity to listen and engage further. Our aim is to deliver a railway that benefits communities across the region — connecting people to jobs, education and opportunities, while supporting sustainable growth.
"In Bedford, East West Rail will help unlock new opportunities for the town — including improved connectivity, a revitalised station area and the potential to attract new investment and jobs. We’re carefully reviewing all feedback received through our recent consultation and using it to help shape the design of the railway. We’ll be sharing more information on how this input has informed our plans soon and remain committed to continuing our engagement with local communities.”