THE government’s ‘strategic vision for rail’ announced this week does little for Barnsley, according to Dan Jarvis MP.
The MP for Barnsley Central said Barnsley urgently needed investment in rail infrastructure to improve connectivity and boost the economy.
“Yet again Barnsley is being left out in the cold,” he said.
“This review looks at reopening railway lines closed in the 1950s and 1960s. Some very sensible suggestions had been made about opening lines such as the direct route between Barnsley and Doncaster, as well as the line through Royston, but none of that is included.
“Bringing back into use services like this doesn't just improve connectivity and the ability for people to travel for employment, but it also relieves pressure elsewhere on the network.
“We do need significant investment in our railway infrastructure. People who use the train every day for getting to work find they’re in carriages which are tired, dirty, uncomfortable, it’s not good enough.”
He said the absence of any help for Barnsley in the review highlights the need for devolution.
“We need to keep making the case for investment in infrastructure in the north, and we need a strong voice arguing for this region at a national level,” he said.
“Other areas have elected mayors doing that, we do not.”
