News Release : 02 April 2001

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY APPLAUDS GO AHEAD FOR COMPLETION OF CHANNEL TUNNEL RAIL LINK

The South East England Regional Assembly welcomed today's announcement by the Government on the funding commitment for phase 11 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, which will complete the project.

The Deputy Prime Minster, John Prescott announced that the Government will be allocating funds for the construction of the rail link that will extend services to St Pancras station, improving transport opportunities for the region and the whole UK to Europe.

The scheme has been supported by the Regional Assembly as a vital piece of transport infrastructure for the South East region. Regional Planning Guidance for the South East identifies the link as being a top priority both in terms of the Region's role as a transport gateway, and in support of the regeneration and development of the Thames Gateway area of North Kent.

Councillor David Shakespeare, Chairman of the Regional Assembly, said; "The financial commitment by the Government for phase 11 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link is crucial investment in the Region's transport infrastructure. This scheme will improve the South East's links to mainland Europe, transforming rail services in North Kent, and spur investment in the Thames Gateway, to the benefit of London as well as the South East Region."

He continued: "Now funding has been made available, work on constructing the scheme must be started as a matter urgency."

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
   
   
2. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
   
   
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
   
   
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
   
   
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007