Nuneaton’s MP Marcus Jones has welcomed the announcement by the Transport Secretary, Justine Greening that the Coventry to Nuneaton rail upgrade will go ahead.

The scheme will see a new platform at Coventry station to allow a half hourly service between Nuneaton and Coventry. It would also see new stations at the Ricoh Arena and Bermuda Park with an upgraded platform at Bedworth.

Delighted with the announcement, Marcus Jones said: “This is excellent news for what is a vital project for Nuneaton, Bedworth and Coventry. I have been working with my parliamentary colleagues and local authorities to further the cause of this project since I was elected in May 2010.

"I have spent a great deal of time lobbying the former Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, the current Transport Secretary, Justine Greening and the Chancellor, George Osborne. So this is particularly welcome news, and a credit to the Government’s willingness to make this investment in Coventry and Warwickshire’s infrastructure, at a time when money is tight.

“The project has been an ongoing saga for many years - going right back to when the Ricoh Arena was being planned - and it is a huge boost to the local economy that this project is now firmly on track.

“I know this announcement will be welcomed by many people particularly those who will be able to improve their employment prospects through having better transport links from Nuneaton. The scheme will also serve to improve inward investment in Nuneaton which is fantastic for the town.”