As I travel to and from Hastings to go to Parliament when House is sitting, one thing is clear: I may enjoy the views, but it takes far too long to travel from our towns to London.
Since 2010, I have campaigned for improvements to our rail services. We need better and more reliable services to our towns. These would be important in delivering a boost to our local economy as tourists choose to join us to see our fantastic landmarks and businesses chose to invest in our vibrant community.
People from our towns must be aware that I will take their concerns to the heart of Government and to the organisations who can make their local services better. This is why I will be holding my next transport summit on Friday 11 October from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at East Sussex College, Hastings. Check my website here for updates!
Amber meeting with officials from Highways England to hear about improvements to the A21
This year, I have chosen to extend the summit to include our local bus services and Highways England. This will allow residents the opportunity not only to speak with those in charge of the rail services but also to discuss the progress being made on the A21. This is because we need to focus on transport in and between our towns rather than just to and from London. Improving our connectivity is important not only for our convenience but for local business to thrive.
I am delighted that representatives from East Sussex County Council, South East Local Enterprise Partnership, Highways England, Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Southeastern Railway and Stagecoach South East will speak at my Transport Summit on 11 October. I have asked the new Department for Transport Ministerial team to come and update my constituents on what the Government is doing to improve transport in our area also.
Amber discussing ways to improve rail services to Hastings and Rye with the former rail minister, Andrew Jones MP
Over the year, I work hard for residents in Parliament to meet with stakeholders and press for changes to be made to improve our local services. I am particularly pleased that Highways England and Network Rail will be joining us for the summit. They will be able to share some exciting plans that they have for the future and the work that will be done to deliver these.
If you would like any more information on the transport summit or the work I have been doing to improve our connectivity, please do email me at amber.rudd.mp@parliament.uk.
Yours sincerely,
Amber Rudd MP
Hastings and Rye