Coventry to Nuneaton rail link 'needs more analysis'

Funding to improve the rail line between Coventry and Nuneaton cannot be committed to until further studies are carried out, the government said.



Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond said more analysis was needed.

A bid for £15.8m funding for the rail link was submitted in March. Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones has asked how ministers decide which projects to fund.

Mr Hammond said he would be happy to meet him and discuss the matter.

Conservative MP Mr Jones was speaking after plans for £8bn of investment in the railways were announced.

"In welcoming the secretary of state's statement and the substantial investment in our rail network, please could the secretary of state explain how smaller projects such as the important Coventry to Nuneaton rail upgrade will be assessed for future funding," he said.

Proposals for the improved rail link include a new station at Bermuda Park in Nuneaton, a new bay platform at Coventry station and a longer platform at Bedworth.

On match or major event days trains could go between Coventry and the Ricoh Arena every 15 minutes, if the station at the stadium is built.

I see the solitary Class 153 railcar trundle up and down the line all day and have yet to spot a single passenger on board! I also get to walk under the bridges which carry the line and they are in such a poor state of repair they will need to be replaced completely in the near future whether the line is upgraded or not.