With the news this morning (Wednesday 9th October) that the Government has
decided to abandon plans for 140mph train service to operate on the West
Coast Mainline and that the launch of the 125mph trains service is to be
delayed by at least 2 more years, Michael Fabricant will be contacting
Railtrack to ascertain what this will mean for the West Coast Mainline
upgrade in Staffordshire.

In particular, says Michael Fabricant: "Railtrack had plans to widen the
track from 2 lines to 4 right though the centre of Armitage. This will
cause huge disruption to the lives of Armitage and Handsacre residents. I
want to know whether this project is still going ahead and – if so –
when. Railtrack originally proposed an alternative route bypassing
Armitage altogether; I want to find out whether this line can be
constructed by Railtrack instead. There are similar questions concerning
Whittington and Fisherwick. A stretch of line there was to be straightened
which will necessitate the demolition of some historic cottages. Will this
now be going ahead?

"There has been so much turmoil and change within Railtrack over recent
months, no-one seems to be clear about what the current plans are. I intend
to find out!", Michael adds.