Easing over-crowding for Harlow rail commuters

Some rare good news today, as there is a glimmer of hope for hard-pressed Harlow commuters who travel regularly on the train-line from Harlow to London. During Transport Questions in the Commons, I asked the following: "Thousands of my Harlow commuters have been braving the weather to travel on the Harlow to London rail line. They have suffered a 30 per cent increase in train overcrowding in recent years. Will the Minister look at the economic benefits of upgrading the West Anglia main line?" In answer, Transport Secretary, Mr Hammond stated: "176 additional carriages are due to be delivered to the Greater Anglia franchise next year. That will assist with overcrowding overall....We are prepared to look at proposals for further network enhancements as possible investments... which begins in 2014."  It is encouraging that, not only will additional carriages arrive next year, the Government have given a strong indication that they will look at further investment.  Harlow commuters deserve nothing less.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Harlow Town Station at Fifty Years

I was very proud today as MP for Harlow to have opened the new refurbishment of Harlow Town Station and cut the ribbon for the new car park. The Station was celebrating its fifty years with a brand new facelift.

It was a great celebration. The many guests were welcomed by the incredible Harlow Steel Band which played just outside the Station Entrance. As we all assembled upstairs, there were a number of speeches, from National Express, Essex Council and Harlow Renaissance.

When I spoke, I made the point that in Harlow, we always use the term 'Gateway' to describe various regeneration proposals. Yet, there could never be more obvious a 'Gateway' than our main railway station. For years, this has been an iconic building, yet quite grim inside.

No longer. It now has a beautiful wooden ceiling, two new excellent lifts and state of the art floors and benches. At last people arriving in Harlow will feel that the Town really is the place to be. I only hope that Network Express will repair the damaged roof and restore the platform, as well as National Express have taken care of their part of the station.

The Station plays an important part in the regeneration of Harlow : changing what is necessary in order to conserve what is best about Harlow's traditions.

I enjoyed too, meeting many of the station staff, who put so much work in making the new station a reality. The new station car-park, is a similar success story, completed two months earlier than planned. Hopefully the Station parking problems will now be over.

P.S. It was great to see the exhibition prepared by Harlow Museum Historian David Devine. All the history of the station is contained in a huge frame which hangs proudly on the station wall.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com