Sally-Ann Hart, the local MP for Hastings and Rye, yesterday asked a Treasury Minister what firm commitments can be made to ensure that the HS1 rail line extension from Ashford International to Hastings can final get started.
In response the Minister explained that Network Rail are submitting a final case this April for the Department of Transport to consider.
Following the exchange, Sally-Ann said, "when it comes to the project to extend HS1 rail line from Ashford International to Hastings and on to Eastbourne, the time for talk and warm words has to come to an end, the time for action is now. Yesterday I had the opportunity to ask a Minister from the Treasury what firm commitments can be made to unlock the funding for this project and finally get spades in the ground after years of talk. I was encouraged that Network Rail are submitting final plans this April to be looked at and decided upon by the Department for Transport, but I am not satisfied that firm commitments are being made. I will continue to push for this project to get going because I believe getting from London to Hastings in an hour by train will be a game changer for our area - turbo-charging our economy, supporting the tourism sector, and seeing more high-skilled, high-paying businesses investment in our towns."
The HS1 rail line extension has been spoken about for many years and still no firm commitments or action has been achieved. Sally-Ann believes this rail line could been game changer for the area and is determined to get the project up and running. she will continue to push hard for this project to succeed.