European cash to boost rail links

A project to upgrade a rail line linking East Anglia to the Midlands has been awarded £8m of European funding.

The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) said the money had been provisionally allocated to the scheme but will be confirmed in September.

The project will allow more freight to be moved by rail from the ports of Felixstowe, Suffolk, and Harwich, Essex to help reduce congestion on the roads.

It would also avoid the existing and congested rail route via north London

Passenger services

EERA said upgrading the Felixstowe to Nuneaton, Warwickshire, rail line had received widespread support from the rail industry.

Councillor Derrick Ashley, chairman of the regional planning panel, said: "It will boost economic competitiveness and growth by delivering a reliable and efficient rail route, it will reduce carbon emissions and improve safety, security and health by making the roads and transport networks safer."

The upgrade could also see the removal of speed restrictions imposed on heavy freight trains on the cross country route between Ipswich and Peterborough.

EERA added that it may create opportunities for more passenger services into and out of London on the Ipswich to Peterborough route.