James Cunningham

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MP WELCOMES MINISTER STATEMENT ON RICOH STATION

COVENTRY City Council should provide a ‘deliverable’ and ‘affordable’ business case for a new railway station at the Ricoh Station.
That is the response of Railways Minister Tom Harris following questions from Coventry South MP Jim Cunningham.
Mr Cunningham last week tabled parliamentary questions on the proposal in an effort to speed up the long-awaited development.
In response, Railways Minister Mr Harris told Mr Cunningham in a formal reply: “It is for the local authority to develop a proposal for a new station which is deliverable, affordable and has a business case.
“Discussions took place over three years ago following a report which was submitted to the Strategic Rail Authority.
“The report concluded that the business case was low and there were questions over its deliverability.
“The department would consider any further work showing that such a station was feasible, fundable and offered value for money.”
Mr Cunningham today said the response by the Department of Transport posed ‘fresh questions’ about Coventry City Council’s role in the development.
“The minister has said the onus on developing a proposal for a new station at the Ricoh Arena does lie squarely with Coventry City Council,” he said.
“The bottom line is that if a new station at the Ricoh is to happen, Coventry City Council need to be fully committed to the project in terms of resources and finances.”