In response to a recent question by Graham, the new government has refused to confirm that the transformational Local Transport Fund will be awarded to Beverley and Holderness.
Graham will now be re-doubling his efforts to save this fund in the wake of the new government seemingly ignoring the needs of rural communities like Beverley and Holderness.
The £168 million Local Transport Fund was introduced by the previous Conservative government to transform transport in rural communities in the north following the cancellation of the Northern leg of HS2.
Graham saw this as a great opportunity for the area and over 750 people responded to his call for ideas – with ideas ranging from funding a new study to build a new railway link between York and Hull to covering bus stops and filling in pot holes.
Now, it’s under threat from the government. In response to a question from Graham, asking the Department for Transport to confirm how much the East Riding would receive, the answer was non-committal.
There is a history of Labour figures opposing the Local Transport Fund while in opposition.
Graham has written to the new Secretary of State, Louise Haigh, to clarify why the government is even reconsidering this funding, which could transform transport in the East Riding for generations to come.
Graham is a champion of improving transport in the local area. He has helped lead the charge for the proposed York to Hull Rail, supported the Council in getting government funding for improvements to the Jock’s Lodge junction south of Beverley and led the case for halving tolls across the Humber Bridge.
Graham Stuart commented: “If anywhere needs government investment in transport, it’s Beverley and Holderness.
“That’s why I fought to secure this funding to improve our roads, railways, cycleways footpaths and buses; and it’s why I set up my survey to get local ideas for local transport.
“If this £168 million is taken away from us we’ll be left with scraps from a government party which has always prioritised big cities.
“I’m disappointed that I’ll have to prove to the government once again that local transport priorities are best understood by local people.”
Roy Begg, Project Manager of Minsters Rail Campaign, said, “We were delighted to hear that East Riding Council would be receiving funding to invest in local transport projects, and it is vital that the new Government keeps that promise.
“The York to Hull via Beverley railway would be transformational for the area, unlocking the huge potential of the towns along the route.
“Graham has long been a friend of the Minsters Rail Campaign, and we know he’ll make the case to the Government to deliver this vital funding.
“We knew that Levelling Up was dropped from the Department’s name, but it now seems as though Levelling Up is being completely abandoned by a government which will always put the big cities first.”
