Agenda item - Brighton Mainline Alliance

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)            That the Greater Brighton Economic Board adds its support and voice to those campaigning for the Windmill Junction Scheme, by becoming a member of the Brighton Mainline Alliance.

2)            That the Board promotes the activities of the Alliance through its networks and contacts.

27.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that requested the Board become a member of the Brighton Mainline Alliance and promote the activities of the Alliance through its networks and contacts.

27.2      Councillor Theobald expressed his support for the proposal and asked how it was envisaged to overcome the problem of a single line to Brighton from Three Bridges which demonstrated the need for BML2.

27.3      Jonathan Sharrock stated that the Alliance did not rule out investments in other sections of the line nor the development of BML2.

27.4      Councillor Ash-Edwards expressed his support for the proposal adding that there was a demonstrative need for improvements to the Windmill Bridge Junction and he hoped this would be the first of many investment projects.

27.5      Councillor Morgan expressed his support for the proposal adding that he hoped Network Rail’s recent investment announcement would be the start of continued rail investment.

27.6      Councillor Humphries stated his support for the proposals adding that the many obstacles to an efficient, reliable rail service had led to a negative impact on the economy and lives of commuters.

27.7      RESOLVED-

1)            That the Greater Brighton Economic Board adds its support and voice to those campaigning for the Windmill Junction Scheme, by becoming a member of the Brighton Mainline Alliance.

2)            That the Board promotes the activities of the Alliance through its networks and contacts.