Mayor’s plan for Wisbech rail gets green flag

The Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority have shared the following historic announcement about the reopening of the railway to Wisbech which puts the project on course for trains to return to Wisbech in 2028.

https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/news/capital-of-the-fens-back-on-track-mayors-plan-for-wisbech-rail-gets-green-flag

In a historic vote, the business case for re-opening the Wisbech rail link was this week approved by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.

The Transport and Infrastructure Committee was asked to accept the conclusions of the Full Business Case – the FBC –  that restoring a heavy rail link between Wisbech and Cambridge would be practicable and offer value for money –  and give the final version a thumbs-up.  

Members approved the case –  and if the Government backs the Combined Authority’s chosen option and helps with funding, the first commuters and passengers could be travelling into Cambridge by 2028.

Wisbech Standard editor John Elworthy tweeted: “Hugely important day for Wisbech today as @CambsPboroCA signed off the final business plan to re-open the Wisbech to March rail line. I watched the moment live…make no mistake, this was a historic moment. A frisson of excitement running through me.”

The editor’s comments reflect a long and passionate campaign within the Wisbech community and surrounding area. Wisbech – ‘the Capital of the Fens’ – remains one of the largest towns in the UK without a rail connection.  Residents of the town have pushed hard for the restoration of their passenger service, ended by the Beeching cuts in the 1960s, for decades.

James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, joined and elevated the campaign upon his election, and has already met the rail minister the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP to discuss plans for reviving Wisbech rail link and its potential funding.

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