The campaign for a direct rail line between Leicester, Nottingham and Coventry has stepped up amid new backing. Coventry City and Nottingham Forest football clubs have written to the Transport Secretary and the Culture Secretary to show their support for the proposed link which could create many jobs.
The proposal, from campaign group Midlands Connect, would see a direct line created between the three Midlands cities. Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has previously voiced his support for the measure.
If approved, Midlands Connect believes a Leicester to Coventry rail line would create jobs and protect the environment by reducing car usage. The backing of Coventry City and Nottingham Forest comes amid previous support from fans of the two teams – and those from Leicester City – who believe it could provide alternate transport options on match days.
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Other events, such as live music, could also benefit from the line according to Midlands Connect. John Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at Coventry City FC, said: “For Coventry City and other football clubs, transporting fans efficiently and sustainably is incredibly important. This project will help increase attendance and create an easier journey for people using the Coventry Building Society Arena for non-sporting events.”
The campaign group believes the line would also cut down on emissions created by cars. Andy Clark, head of rail at Midlands Connect, said: “Currently only three per cent of journeys on the Coventry-Leicester-Nottingham corridor are made by train, compared to 30 per cent between better connected cities such as Coventry and Birmingham.
“We plan to have a direct, half hourly service with a journey time of 40 minutes from Coventry to Leicester and 70 minutes from Coventry to Nottingham, which would improve the journey for thousands of sports fans and other customers travelling between the three cities”.
City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby
(Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Speaking in October, Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby backed the idea. He said: “It will allow people to travel easily between Leicester and Coventry. Only three per cent use the train now as there is no direct service, leading to high car use on congested roads.
“The creation of high-skilled, high-paid jobs is a bonus, as is the creation of apprenticeship roles, kick-starting careers. This all helps to deliver a stronger economy, as well as social value benefits to our local community.”
The line is not the only proposal from Midlands Connect which would benefit Leicestershire as it also believes rail links between Coventry and Loughborough, and East Midlands Parkway are needed. The group is putting together a business case for its proposals, which are yet to receive any official support.
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