HARROGATE TO LONDON DIRECT RAIL SERVICES

Early day motion 2124, tabled 21 July 2008 by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 14 members.

That this House welcomes the application for regulatory approval for Harrogate Trains Limited to operate a direct rail service connecting Harrogate, Starbeck, Knaresborough and Wetherby to London; recognises the lack of direct return services between the capital and the Harrogate area; understands that, if approved, the rail service could commence as early as summer 2009; further understands that this investment will benefit conferences and tourists visiting Harrogate and the surrounding district; believes that some 100,000 long distance road journeys per year could be saved by these proposals; and agrees that such a direct rail service would boost the Harrogate economy, and give passengers a fully-deserved and long awaited service whilst providing significant environmental benefits.

Signatures by party: Labour 7, Liberal Democrat 6, Independent 1.