Victory for Fulbourn as train care centre plans are dropped

Pippa Heylings MP has welcomed East West Rail's decision to scrap plans for a train care centre in Fulbourn, following sustained pressure from Pippa and local residents.

Pippa has been pressing East West Rail to drop the Fulbourn site and pursue an industry-wide alternative, standing up for residents in Fulbourn, Great Wilbraham and the surrounding villages who made their opposition clear. Pippa secured a meeting with the Rail Minister for the Fulbourn Parish Council representative, together with other Parish Councils and the South Cambridgeshire Rail Group.  Today's announcement shows that when local communities and their MP speak with one voice, they can be heard.

Pippa Heylings, Lib Dem MP for South Cambridgeshire said:

"I am absolutely delighted that East West Rail has finally listened and dropped its plans for a train care centre in Fulbourn. This will rightly bring much relief to local residents and businesses.

"Alongside Liberal Democrat District Councillors, I have been pressing the Rail Minister and East West Rail to choose the option of an industry-shared facility that would work better for the whole rail industry across the region. They have now confirmed that this is indeed the best option. This result is a real credit to Fulbourn Forum, Parish Councils and all those in Fulbourn, the Wilbrahams and beyond who took the time to respond to the consultation and make their voices heard. This shows that when we all work together then local voices can be heard. I will keep pushing East West Rail to address the concerns that have been raised in other villages across the route so that the railway delivers for South Cambridgeshire. I will continue to stand up for our communities at every stage of this project."

ENDS