The Journal today

Ippr North (a facebook friend) has secured front page of The Journal print and on line with their report on the desperate need for local rail services in the North to be brought up to speed. Chimes in with my Northumbria local rail franchise theme http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/03/16/chancellor-told-to-fund-north-east-rail-improvements-61634-30548808/ .The idea of a Northumbria franchise may be outshone by politicians in Cornwall! https://www.facebook.com/groups/233873179962922/

Northumbria or the South West: who is motivated more?

Others are getting onto the bandwagon. The government is prepared to allow it. There could be a Northumbria rail franchise but only if politicians grasp this. Despite raising voices I am beginning to doubt that North Eastern politicians have the driver that others have to do this. I suspect come 2014 we will still be part of an enormous super franchise running for 15 years. I hope I am wrong. http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/Councils-placed-rail-lines/story-15496339-detail/story.html