The MRHA rail scheme consultation period is over, so now the hard work starts... Our focus over the coming months is to spread the word that A BETTER RAIL SCHEME IS POSSIBLE! and to ensure that MRHA go back to the drawing board for the East Chord.
This is what needs to be understood about the MRHA proposals:
- The proposed scheme is not aligned with the Local Plan and has negative impacts – on local economy, social value, community, conservation, nature and property blight – that far exceed what was previously understood by proposers. Beyond being detrimental to the city, the current approach risks a contentious public inquiry and expensive land acquisition and an inefficient use of public funds.
- The consultation material did not include all of the damaging work that will be needed to reap the full benefits the scheme claims (in particular in the Bordesley Village area), which means stakeholders have not been provided with a fully informed picture.
- Other ways of delivering the rail outcomes have been identified that are highly likely to be less problematic, represent a more cost-effective use of taxpayer money and potentially provide wider benefits.
- It would appear that MRHA and Network Rail chose the proposed scheme without full knowledge of its impacts and costs. As a result, they must now revisit all alternative ways of delivering the East Chord and its wider benefits to the Midlands, including through use of Curzon Street station. Previous and future options analysis should be placed in the public domain.
- The project should be split, delivering the much less problematic West Chord within the agreed timescale, as it is fully funded and less disruptive. Meanwhile, more time should be allocated to rethink the East Chord and the links to the East Midlands. These are not fully funded, and cause far greater disruption, damage, land acquisition and public contention.
- MRHA should publish a summary of the responses received as soon as possible, alongside any revised timescales and plans for further stakeholder engagement.
Interested to know more? You can read our full consultation response here.
We will be writing to MRHA seeking a meeting with them, as well as contacting other decision-makers to put them in the picture and ensure we have their active support.
How can you help?
- Write to your MP: this website will help you get their contact details
- Write to Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport
- Write to the West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker
- Like, share and comment on our social media posts, tag the above decision-makers (Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin)
- Get more involved: if you have time, there will be plenty of tasks and actions to volunteer for. Attend BFOE’s regular campaign meetings or contact Karen if you want to offer help.
We are not writing letter templates now as it’s always better to craft your own, but do draw on the above points as well as those on our main Save the Warehouse campaign page. Don’t forget to respond to their reply and keep the conversation going.
We will post regular updates here so do come back to check for more actions.
Thank you for all your support!
Karen Leach and all at BFOE
