Council leader welcomes £2bn rail plans

Proposals include direct Leicester to Coventry service

County council leader Nick Rushton has welcomed Midlands Connect's announcement of the most ambitious upgrade of the region's rail network for a generation.

Nick Rushton said: “Crucially, for Leicestershire, the plans outline an additional 24 extra trains per hour on the rail network which will increase capacity and reduce journey times with, for example, up to six trains per hour in each direction between Leicester and Hinckley.

We’re continuing to work closely with Midlands Connect as a direct service between Coventry and Leicester remains a top priority for the county as it can provide a boost to employment and housing growth in the ‘golden triangle’ between the M1, M69 and M6.

Person:Nick Rushton, county council leader

“Combined with our joint work on other priority rail projects, it will ensure the county is well placed to benefit from the future modern rail network.”

Nick Rushton has also welcomed the recent DfT confirmation of electrification of the Midland Mainline from Kettering to Market Harborough, as an important step in achieving incremental electrification for the main line.