Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council reacts to today’s Integrated Rail Plan announcement.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said,
“We’ve always said that reopening the Maid Marion Line to passengers was a no brainer – that’s why we’ve campaigned for this for 7 years.
“Reopening mineral lines like the Maid Marion Line to passengers is incredibly cost effective.
“This, if our bid has indeed been successful will see between 1.1million and 1.4million rail journeys a year. I would like to pay tribute to those at Ashfield, Bolsover and Mansfield Councils behind the bid – we worked incredibly hard together.
“With regards to HS2 – it’s been the worst kept secret in Nottinghamshire for years that HS2 would not stop at Toton.
“This didn’t stop the Conservatives at County Hall taking a £22million gamble buying land in and around Toton on the basis that the Prime Minister would keep a promise that has unravelled fast.
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“I do feel some sympathy for Ben Bradley, the Leader of the County Council who has set out his stall on the successful delivery of HS2 to Toton and the associated economic benefits. Whilst he has failed in his first major hurdle – I don’t blame him for ambitiously flogging a dead horse – but the reality is – any pleas clearly fell on death ears.”
