‘Victorian infrastructure for the 21st century economy’ - Integrated Rail Plan branded ‘woefully inadequate’

The government’s Integrated Rail Plan has been branded “woefully inadequate” by local politicians.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Interim Chair of Transport for the North released a statement that asked the government to “make good its pledge to the North.”

The statement comes after Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell called the HS2 climb down “absolutely shameless.”

In Gittins’ statement, she said: “After decades of under-funding, the rail network in the North is not fit for purpose. It is largely twin-track Victorian infrastructure trying to cope with the demands of a 21st-century economy.

“Whilst we have been working on our upgrade plans we have watched as billions have been poured into HS2 building work from London to Birmingham.

“It is time for the North to have its fair share. It’s time for the North to have a proper railway network to allow our towns and cities, our businesses, and our people to thrive and grow for generations to come.

“It’s time for real evidence of levelling up.”