| Wednesday, 21 November 2007 | |
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Success of Ebbsfleet dependent on delivery of benefits to existing communities says Stoate Speaking in a Commons debate on the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill, Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate welcomed the opening of the new international station at Ebbsfleet this week and paid tribute to the work of the Government, LCR and Eurostar in getting the project off the ground. He went on to say however that the success of Ebbsfleet will depend ultimately on its ability to deliver real, lasting benefits for Dartford’s existing communities – such as Swanscombe, Greenhithe and Stone.“Perhaps most important major component (to the project’s success) is the extent to which inward investment in projects such as HS1 benefit existing communities as much as new ones. In my constituency and in that of the Hon. Member for Gravesham, there is huge inward investment, and plans to build up to 30,000 new homes and provide up to 20,000 or 30,000 new jobs, as well as massive improvement of derelict infrastructure, which sorely needs regeneration. However, can we benefit existing communities to the same extent as we benefit new communities?” commented Dr Stoate during the debate. “The problem with many projects is that those who face the most disruption experience the least benefit. Unfortunately, that is largely true in my constituency. Despite the enormous investment, improvements and opportunities for people, many of the existing, settled communities do not feel the benefit of the regeneration projects. They still live in overcrowded areas, face the extra noise, traffic and pollution that the new projects generate and do not yet experience the good. If we are to produce more new projects in future, it is essential that existing communities in the areas that we regenerate perceive from day one what is in it for them. What new jobs will they get? What improvements will be made to their housing infrastructure? How will their schools and hospitals be rebuilt and regenerated? How will their shopping centres be upgraded? That must be clear from the beginning.” “The rail link is a major part of the Thames Gateway project, which has had a mixed press over the years. Indeed, recent reports have stated that perhaps we have not maximised the benefit or achieved the genuine vision that we should have realised. If we are to get people on side and to understand exactly what can be achieved, we must ensure that they benefit before rather than after the new communities.” “The way to do that is, first, to iron out some of the planning issues, to ensure that regeneration projects are swift and effective, that local people are involved in planning and that there is the minimum disruption for the minimum time. However, we also have to ensure some early wins, so that people already living in the communities affected get some quick benefits, before we start to introduce the big changes. Obvious examples of that include the fast-track bus system, whereby communities are linked to town centres and new developments. We must ensure that investment in our town centres is made before the extra building and development, so that people can see improvements in their towns first. It is a question of direction of travel and of ensuring that we build the infrastructure that benefits people’s lives before we build the other parts. If we can get those things right and in the right order—Ebbsfleet and north Kent are good examples of where we can do just that—and thereby ensure that local people benefit from new investment from the off, we will bring huge benefits to the country.” Notes Now that the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (now renamed ‘High-Speed One’) is complete, preparations are underway to sell and break-up London and Continental Railways – the company which constructed and operates HS1 and owns the UK arm of Eurostar as well its rolling stock and the HS1 stations. As a result of a restructuring deal that took place in 1998 the Government now owns a special share in LCR and the company is now technically classed as a public corporation. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill aims to clarify the regulatory and subsidy provisions relating to the CTRL by amending the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act of 1996. The Government believes that these clarifications will make the assets look more attractive to potential purchasers and thus secure better value for the taxpayer in any sale. The bill confirms that the Government has the power to fund HS1 and the trains that run on it: this will enable any purchasers to apply for public subsidies at a future point. |
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© 2008 Dr Howard Stoate - Member of Parliament for Dartford
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