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Portishead railway link may face funding trouble
In a letter of disappointment to the government’s chief secretary of the treasury and secretary of state for transport, Sadik Al-Hassan, the MP for North Somerset, has raised concerns about the future of railway links between Portishead and Pill via Bristol.
The letter came on Sunday evening after The Sunday Times published an article earlier that day which suggested there was an impending risk to the reopening of the railway line.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will reportedly today reveal a £20bn “black hole” in public finance, which has caused many across the country to express concerns that proposed railway and road works may be cancelled to curtail spending.
is needed now More than ever
Referring to the “awful” situation inherited from the previous government, Hassan insisted on X (formerly Twitter) that he will continue to fight for the constituency’s vital infrastructure.
In his letter, which he shared on X, Hassan said: “I am distressed to hear this morning in the Sunday Times about the risk to the vital railway project in North Somerset constituency.
“The project has been long awaiting in the area and will help connect our Portishead and Pill towns to the rail network via Bristol. I would like to raise my concern with both of you about this issue.
“The re-opening is part of Metrowest Phase 1B and has received a Development Consent Order with multiple partners involved in funding the £152m commitment with £32m spent already.
“This infrastructure project to improve transport in my constituency is immensely important to me and my constituents so I would like to work with you both to deliver it.”
The Portishead to Bristol railway line was given a unanimous go ahead in January, after 20 years of campaigning.
Darren Jones, chief secretary to the treasury and Louise Haigh, secretary of state for transport, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Main photo: North Somerset Council
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