Worries Government is ‘reverse ferreting’ on works to key rail junctions in Haughley, near Stowmarket, and Ely

A rallying call has been issued for works at a key Suffolk rail junction and another in nearby Ely.

Waveney MP Peter Aldous has pressed for works on two key rail junctions as worries the Government is ‘reverse ferreting’ continue to spread.

During October’s Conservative Party conference, an undisclosed share of a £6.5 billion pot was earmarked for much-needed repairs to key rail junctions in Haughley, near Stowmarket, and Ely.

The money was the East of England’s portion of a larger £36 billion package, meant to deliver the Government’s HS2 project.

Yesterday, Mr Aldous called on the Government to end delays to the works.

He said: “Investment in infrastructure is vital if the east of England is to realise its full potential. It is therefore vital funds are made available straightaway so work on the Ely and Haughley junction rail improvement can begin without further delay.

“There were welcome announcements on this in the autumn statement but there is local concern the Government might be reverse ferreting on this issue. I hope my concerns can be allayed.”

Upgrading the junctions would mean faster and more regular rail services from Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge, King’s Lynn and Peterborough — Felixstowe freight services would also be able to run directly through Ely to the Midlands.

Mr Aldous added: “This winter, the Norfolk and Suffolk coast has taken a battering that it has not seen for a very long time.

“I believe that the budget’s welcome initiatives will help to achieve those goals, but all around the UK – and particularly in East Anglia – we need to press ahead with strategic investment in both people and infrastructure, in flesh and blood and in concrete and steel.”

The worries were shared across the aisle after Adrian Ramsay, Green candidate for the new Waveney Valley constituency, said the Government’s silence was deafening.

He said: “The Government promised the money for this much-needed upgrade back in October. Network Rail is ready to start work on building a full business case – but it needs some funding to do so.”