HC Deb 30 April 2004 vol 420 cc1367-8W
Jim Dobbin

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the effect of investment in railway improvements over the next 10 years upon residents of Heywood and Middleton. [168550]

Mr. McNulty

A new northern franchise, which will include local and regional services directly serving Heywood and Middleton, is out for tender. Residents of Heywood and Middleton will benefit from the new TransPennine Express franchise, which commenced in February, serving the main towns and cities across the north. The franchise secures investment of around £260 million which will include the introduction of a new fleet of 100 mph diesel trains leading to increased capacity, improved service quality and performance across the region. Work continues on the West Coast Main Line upgrade, which will see a reduction in journey times on services to and from Manchester and Preston and an increase in service frequency.

James Purnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the effect of investment in railway improvements over the next 10 years upon residents of Stalybridge and Hyde. [168732]

Mr. McNulty

Residents of Stalybridge and Hyde will benefit from the new TransPennine Express franchise, which commenced in February. The franchise secures investment of around £260 million which will include the introduction of a new fleet of 100 mph diesel trains leading to increased capacity, improved service quality and performance across the region, A new northern franchise, which will include local and regional services through the constituency, is out for tender. Work continues on the West Coast Main Line upgrade, which will see a reduction in journey times on services to and from Manchester and Preston and an increase in service frequency.

Forward to