Oxford-Bedford rail link decision is ‘coming soon’

A HEAD of steam is building up which could see a commitment made at the end of the month to trains running on the Oxford to Bedford rail link by December 2017.

At an event held in Parliament on July 3, rail minister Theresa Villiers joined MPs and other interested parties for an update on the East West Rail line project.

Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart, who chairs of East West Rail All-Party Group, said: “I am hopeful we will see a formal commitment to trains running by 2017 within the month.” The decision on rail investment is expected to be taken by Ministers by the end of July. The line will link Oxford, Bicester, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and Bedford.

The green light for the western section of project was made in the autumn. Since then, 25 councils have been working in partnership to sort out funds.