East West Rail route consultation attracts strong turnout

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A major railway consultation has drawn more than 5,000 feedback forms.

The East West Rail project, connecting Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, attracted strong engagement during its most recent consultation, held between April 14 and June 9.

A total of 16 events, both in-person and online, drew more than 3,100 attendees.

David Hughes, chief executive officer of East West Rail, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to attend our consultation events, join our webinars, explore the information online and share their views with us.

"We really value the time and thought people have put into their feedback to help us shape the future of East West Rail."

As well as the feedback forms, there were more than 47,000 visits to the project’s consultation web pages.

The feedback will inform final designs ahead of a Development Consent Order application planned for 2027.

Mr Hughes said: "This consultation was an important opportunity to share our latest designs, including proposals to accelerate construction and increase train capacity, and to hear directly from communities about what matters most to them.

"East West Rail will enable quicker journeys, reduce congestion, boost connectivity and job opportunities, as well as support new housing and drive economic growth.

"We will use this feedback to help finalise our design before we submit a Development Consent Order next year to build this vital railway and deliver these huge benefits."

A summary report outlining the main themes from the consultation is due to be published in the autumn.

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