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MANSTON AIRPORT RAIL LINK VITAL FOR EAST KENT

The realisation of proposals to create a Thanet Parkway Station to serve East Kent and Manston airport has "moved a step closer today" says North Thanet`s MP Roger Gale.

Speaking following a meeting with the Director of Franchise Sponsorship for the Strategic Rail Authority, Roger Jones, the MP said: "I am hugely encouraged by the outcome of what was a most constructive meeting. While the award of an integrated rail franchise for Kent cannot be said to be dependent upon the creation of a Parkway Station it is clear that the Director has an enthusiasm for the concept and will take proposals for such a station into account."

The MP, who has promoted the Parkway concept for ten years adds: "We now have a clear timetable for the bidding and award of the franchise. Following the completion of the Data pack by the end of this month there will be a 60-day period for the bidding process for the Integrated Kent Franchise to take place. The award of the franchise will be made and the new operator installed by Christmas.

Hitachi have confirmed delivery of the first of the new trains needed to run on the fast link by January 2007 and following 18 months of test-running on CTRL and domestic track they should enter service in December 2009.

We therefore have until that time to bring about the creation of the East Kent Parkway Station located to serve Manston Airport, the Thanet Towns, Sandwich and Herne Bay.

After the meeting today I am more convinced than ever that this can be achieved and I hope and trust that the franchise will be awarded to a company that is able and willing to realise this opportunity. Like the East Kent Access Road, this project is vital to the economic development not just of the airport but of the whole of East Kent."

Also discussed at the meeting between Roger Gale and the Director were the refurbishment of Margate and Herne Bay stations and the need for more resources to combat anti-social behaviour on the railways in Kent.