Nuneaton’s MP Marcus Jones, who recently led a delegation of senior Councillors and officials to meet with the Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin MP, in Parliament to discuss the Nuneaton – Coventry rail upgrade, which includes a new station at Bermuda, has cautiously welcomed progress announced by the Transport Secretary.

The meeting was arranged by the town’s MP following concerns that the project was again being delayed. Since 2010, Marcus has worked hard to help get the scheme on track and played a leading role in securing Government funding in 2012, following many years of the project being discussed.

The delegation included the relevant Portfolio Holders from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council, together with officials from both Councils.

Commenting, Marcus said: “Despite the progress made since 2010 I have grown frustrated – as I know many local people have – at the delays to this vital scheme. I have no doubt that both Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council have been doing their utmost to keep this scheme on track, but they also have to work with Network Rail and the Department for Transport to deliver the project which has added further complexity.

“From the Secretary of State’s response, I am cautiously optimistic that the whole project could possibly be completed by December 2016, when the rolling stock to run two trains an hour should also be available.

“This would fit in quite naturally with the opening of the new Kenilworth station and it would add value locally to have an enhanced service between Coventry and Nuneaton at the same time.

“I want this scheme to happen as quickly as possible, and we appear to now be heading in the right direction but cannot be complacent and I will continue to work with the Councils and Government Ministers to make this scheme a reality.”