East West Bedford: Countryside charity calls for rethink as its says alternative could save £1bn

The countryside charity argues a southern alternative route could save taxpayers around £1 billion while avoiding significant impacts on Bedford residents, rural communities and the countryside.

CPRE Bedfordshire is challenging East West Rail’s (EWR) support for the Route E option, which would take the railway through the centre of Bedford. The organisation believes this route would result in the demolition of homes and businesses, increased traffic congestion, environmental impacts, and substantial damage to the countryside north of the town.

But EWR believes Route E offers the best overall solution for Bedford – plus, the southern route would also require properties to be demolished.

It says alternatives – including bypassing the town’s main station altogether – were rejected as Bedford is a key interchange for long distance East Midlands Railway services and Thameslink commuter services.

However, CPRE is calling for an urgent independent review of the route selection process, including a full comparison with the southern Route B alternative as well as an environmental impact assessment of both options.

In a statement it says a southern route would also enable the development of a Bedford parkway station, which would provide better transport links, reduce traffic pressures in Bedford town centre and support access to Universal UK.

A spokesperson said: "Bedford is set to become the only major town or city along the East West Rail route without a parkway station. The southern option deserves proper consideration alongside the current proposal.”

It also says the proposed central Bedford route would bring years of disruption including:

>Demolition of approximately 70 homes and around 30 commercial properties

>Increased traffic congestion and delays on already busy roads

>Higher levels of noise and air pollution in Bedford

>Major construction works and disruption across the town

>Damage to the countryside and farmland north of Bedford

Natalie Wheble, EWR’s external affairs director, said: “We have looked extensively at the alternatives and remain confident Route E offers the best overall solution for Bedford, providing the connectivity needed to support regeneration, economic growth and new opportunities for local people.

"An independent report commissioned by Bedford Borough Council found no fault with the decision-making that led to the preferred route and concluded that the weight given to economic benefits was sound.

"We recognise there are difficult choices involved, but alternative routes would bring their own significant impacts, including on the environment and public open space. Taking all of these factors into account, we believe Route E delivers the greatest overall benefits for Bedford.”