GIDLEY SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON RAIL BUS LINK

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jun 2008

Test Valley MP, Sandra Gidley is seeking to set the record straight on the Romsey-Winchester Rail Bus Link, after the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate claimed (in last week's Romsey Advertiser) that the rail link was a requirement when South West Trains were first awarded the franchise in 1996 - a requirement subsequently dropped when the franchise was renewed by the current government.

However, a letter from Transport Minster Tom Harris MP confirms that no such requirement ever existed.

Speaking today from Westminster, Sandra commented:

"Whilst we welcome any possible support in our endeavour to restore the rail-bus link, it seems that the Conservative candidate has not checked the facts.

"Indeed, it is a tragedy that the government didn't make the rail-bus link a requirement - but neither did the previous Conservative government. Perhaps the Tory Candidate will check her facts on such matters in the future before passing comment."

The letter from the Transport Minister also stated, contrary to a comment from Cllr Mel Kendal, that the Department of Transport had received no correspondence from Hampshire County Council regarding the Romsey-Winchester Rail Bus Link.

"Perhaps if the county council had raised concerns then the rail bus link would have survived" added Sandra. "It seems the Conservatives are unsure of their own actions as well as the government's."

"I am pleased however to have a guarantee from the Minister that the government will consider other rail bus links when they award future franchises."

ENDS