ELEANOR BACKS CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY INTO BIDSTON-WREXHAM LINE

3.00.00pm GMT Mon 15th Dec 2008

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, is backing calls from Wirral Liberal Democrats for an independent review of the costs of upgrading of the Wrexham-Bidston rail line.

Wirral Lib Dems have called for a debate on the scale of the problem at a full Council meeting on Monday (December 15th) as they feel the local rail link could provide a major boost to job opportunities during the economic downturn.

But they have expressed 'dismay' at the wildly differing estimates for the work from Network Rail and Merseytravel; they want Merseytravel to take over the line and take on the upgrade.

Ms Burnham said: "I fully support the Wirral Lib Dems in their call for an independent review to get to the bottom of this and find out the true scale of the project.

"I understand Merseytravel are willing to do the work at a third of the cost quoted by Network Rail, and take over the line, integrating it with the Merseyrail network.

"I agree with the view that it makes sound economic sense all round, delivering greater efficiencies and investment for the benefit of local people on the Wirral and in my region in North Wales."

Councillor Simon Holbrook, Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, who will be leading the debate on a Liberal Democrat motion said: "We've been pressing for the electrification of the 'Borderlands' Bidston-Wrexham line for many years.

"The line links the industries of Deeside with North Birkenhead, where greater job opportunities are required.

"Upgrading the line will not only boost the economy in that area but will also provide further jobs in the kind of public works project that the Government is calling for during the economic downturn.

"I am dismayed at the wildly differing costs for the works from Network Rail and Merseytravel. An independent review is needed to establish the true costs. We need to get on with the job."