Poets’ residents given opportunity to meet East West Rail CEO face-to-face this month

Bedford and Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin announced the date for a face-to-face meeting between residents of the Poets area of Bedford and the CEO of East West Rail.

EWR CEO, Simon Blanchflower CBE, will be at a residents’ event on 15 October at the North End Club, to give those whose homes may be adversely affected by the new railway project a chance to put their views to him.

Harpur councillors, Colleen Atkins and Louise Jackson, welcomed the news of the meeting.

In a statement to the Bedford Independent, they said: “As councillors for Poets, we welcome EWR finally agreeing to meet our residents face-to-face.

“We have been clear to EWR from the start that we oppose six tracks and the demolition of homes but it is vital residents take this opportunity to make their views clear and have their questions answered.”

On setting up the meeting, Mr Yasin said: “It has been a priority of mine to set up a meeting for residents to speak directly to East West Rail about how their and the Government’s plans will affect them.

“I’m very concerned that if the surprise six-track plans go ahead, some residents around the station and in Poets’ will face house demolition.

“It’s very important that they take this opportunity to come and speak to the CEO of East West Rail about their concerns, as it’s the first time since the pandemic that they’ve been able to have their say or have their questions answered in person.”

The event will take place at midday on 15 October at North End Club and residents of Poets and Ashburnham Road will be given priority if the event becomes over-subscribed.

If you would like to attend, please email Mohammad.yasin.mp@parliament.uk or call 01234 346525.