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Decision today on train service at The Ricoh

Last updated : 14 December 2011 By Cns Sport

It is understood the Justine Greening, the transport secretary, will make a statement in the House of Commons later today announcing the decision whether the plans for a new train service between Coventry and Nuneaton with include a new station and a stop at The Ricoh Arena.

It is hoped that the scheme, called NUCKLE and which will cost around £23 million, will be given the go ahead. Local businesses and politicians see the scheme bringing in much needed trade to an economically depressed area as well as making the travelling to The Ricoh much easier for those attending events.

In her statement. MS Greening will announce the decisions on the 23 major transport schemes across the country that were give an ''amber'' light last February. If NUCKLE is given the nod, the government will release £9.7 million to help fund the first phase of development.

Currently there is just one train an hour between Nuneaton and Coventry, but the new scheme will include a new Bermuda Park station, more frequent trains and a longer platform at Bedworth.

On match days and at concerts held at The Ricoh, it is hoped that trains will run between Coventry and The Ricoh every 15 minutes. If the project is approved, the work should be completed by the winter of 2013/14

During a debate about Coventry''s economy and government spending cuts and the in the Commons, the two Coventry MP''s, Jim Cunningham and Geoffrey Robinson urged that funding be approved for NUCKLE as a matter of urgency.
 
The call came in the wake of an announcement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne that £5 billion of public and private investment will be made available to fund road and rail infrastructure in a bid to help kick start the economy.
 
Mr Osborne’s statement included approval for improvements to the Tollbar island road junction in Coventry.

Mr Cunningham said, “If NUCKLE is to get the go-ahead, we would welcome it after years of trying, and meetings with different ministers and governments. It would a shot in the arm for the Coventry and Warwickshire economy.”

Coventry City Council, who are the project’s senior partner, are  keenly awaiting the decision after they submitted their final, amended plans last September. The plans were altered at the suggestion of the then transport secretary Philip Hammond, who said prospects of approval would be better if they could reduce the costs.

Conservative councillor Kevin Foster said any go-ahead for NUCKLE would also be good news for plans to create 15,000 new office jobs at the Friargate development around Coventry station.

In addition to the £9.7 million from  government funding, extra money will be made available from local councils, Centro (the passenger transport authority) and £3.5 million from the European Union (EU)