Being a neighbouring Essex MP he understands the issues we face in Harlow. It was a good opportunity to lobby the Minister about an extra junction on the M11, Oysterisation for Harlow commuters and Stansted Airport.
I was very pleased that despite Press speculation the Minister confirmed that the Government remains opposed to an extra runway at Stansted.
My own view is that given that Stansted s only at 50 per cent capacity, an extra runway is unsustainable, uneconomic and unnecessary.
I have long campaigned for an additional Harlow junction on the M11. The junction is key if Harlow is to continue to grow and attract new businesses.
Harlow is choked to death by traffic. We only have one entrance to the town. Harlow is a huge town close to London yet people suffer every day.
I have already led a parliamentary debate on the issue and welcome a £500,000 Essex County Council study on the issue.
It will create jobs and make it easier for businesses to relocate here. It will make a huge difference. It will help with traffic in general and make Harlow a better place to live.
We are the town with the highest business growth in the UK but so much more would come here.
Unemployment is still high. A brand new junction would free up traffic and free up the lives of people who would be able to move around Harlow much easier.
Mr Burns said: “What is important is that Robert and the county council should work with the Highways Agency to establish the case that there is a need for another junction, if that indeed is the solution.
“I am sure that if that is the case that Robert will vigorously fight to seek this improvement for his constituents, provided that the case has been made that this is needed.”
I am also campaigning for the extension of the Oyster card scheme to Harlow.
Ware (in Hertfordshire) has it. Why shouldn’t Harlow? Lots of people commute from Harlow on a daily basis. Oysterisation would make a huge difference in terms of cost and convenience.
Mr Burns met with Harlow and Epping Forest Conservatives councillors at Harlow Common. He is now responsible for aviation and railways following the recent Coalition Government reshuffle having previously been Health Minister.
Mr Burns said: “What we have got to continue seeing is the investment in improving the rolling stock, the track, the electrification of the rail line so as to enhance the rail services that are provided here in Harlow and also in my own constituency of Chelmsford and throughout the country.
“We also have to ensure that our airports, and we have Stansted just up the road, are able to compete and provide a top class service for passengers travelling in and out of the country and we are able to maintain our hub status based on London rather than allowing places like Frankfurt to overtake us.”
I have met with the rail operators regarding Harlow’s services.
Mr Burns said: “There is a problem with overcrowding and people, when they are paying their fares, hope and expect to have a seat . To put on eztra carriages is the way forward.
“We also have to ensure that the track and overhead cables are maintained and replaced and modernised where appropriate so that the service is improved.”
