Major Employers meet Transport Minister to Support Phase Two of NET

24th April, 2006

Senior executives from the QMC and Experian met with transport minister Derek Twigg to lobby in support of the tram. The meeting was arranged by Nottingham South MP Alan Simpson, whose constituency includes much of the NET Phase Two routes, including part of the Chilwell route from the meadows to the University via NG2 employment site, and QMC, plus and the majority of the Clifton route. Members of the group supporting the Clifton Route, CW Yes also attended, to put the case for the Clifton via Wilford part of the scheme. A Second local MP John Hepple also attended.

The representatives from the QMC and Experion explained to the minister that phase two of NET was vital for their future expansion plans and local job creation, (they are two of the areas biggest employers). These plans could be limited without phase two of NET.

Representatives from CW Yes told of the vital need of improved transport to Clifton and Wilford and the great benefit the scheme will bring to this area, as well as the cost effectiveness and finical robustness of the project.

The group explained the vital need for the scheme, the success of line one, the inward investment it has attracted and that planed for the phase two corridor, and how the whole project is vital for the long-term transport and land use planing in the conurbation.

Mr Twigg gave the group a supportive hearing and seemed to acknowledge the success of line one. He stated the DFT intended to make sure the project was robust before making a final decision to fund the scheme. He confirmed trams will be supported by DfT where they can deliver the right benefits, as they form a vital part of the transport mix.