Review call as work scuppers Ludlow Food Festival trains
Saturday 27th August 2011, 7:00PM BST.
A Shropshire MP today called for a review into how Network Rail sanctions major engineering work after the cancellation of trains to Ludlow during the town’s annual Food and Drink Festival.
Organisers fear replacement buses on September 10 and 11 will be unable to cope with thousands of visitors expected at one of Britain’s biggest food events.
Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski today called for a review while Ludlow MP Philip Dunne is calling on Network Rail to ensure it does not happen again next year.
Mr Kawczynski said: “Clearly we want to be encouraging people to go by train, but yet again Network Rail are not taking important local events into consideration.
“There needs to be a review into how Network Rail are implementing these things.”
Rail passengers must use replacement buses on both days when travelling between Hereford and Shrewsbury and also between Broome, near Craven Arms, and Shrewsbury. The work will also affect every train on the same stretch on September 3 and 4.
Mr Dunne said “I contacted Network Rail last month to explain the significance of access by public transport to Ludlow during the Food Festival when over 20,000 visitors enjoy Ludlow Food Festival.
“Regrettably they claimed it was too late to reschedule essential engineering works which were planned in agreement with the train operator up to 12 months ago.
“I have urged Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales to lay on appropriate coach cover and se- ek next year to schedule works for other we- ekends that do not clash with the festival.”
Network Rail has apologised for the inconvenience, but said the work was planned for up three years and was vital to renew ageing sections of track. Media relations manager Mavis Choong added: “It is a major improvement programme.”
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so three years ago the tracks were showing signs of ageing!
normal weekend breakdowns and the shortage of buses mean people
miss connections etc
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Foodies in tantrum shock!
Can’t have everybody at their beck and call and are outraged.
These repairs are necessary for thousands of commuters, workers and shoppers the whole year.
Sorry foodie drama queens – your annual love in just isn’t that important.
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No one said about not doing these repairs but just on another weekend so get off your high horse and act adult. Do you not realise how much income this brings to ludlow and its people? No didnt think so typical spiteful small minded reaction. Go back to your burgers and chips
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Port Hill Boy, are you aware that the Food Festival brings in about £2million to the local economy every year, or that it is a lifeline for hundreds of small businesses struggling in the recession?
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“Lifeline for hundreds of businesses!???!!!
Thry all rely on the Festival?? Absolute garbage.
A few hundred people attend bt train.
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Quite right. The locals in Ludlow have absolutely no interest in this ridiculous Food and Drink Festival. As for the comment that this annual bash brings in about £2 million to the local economy, I’d be interested to know the basis for this oft quoted figure.
All the above apart, the number of those attending who would choose to endure the servic(?) provided by Arriva and arrive (hopefully) by train is pitifully small. The temporary closure of the railway line between Shrewsbury and Hereford for essential engineering work will make no difference whatsoever to those wanting to be seen at the Food and Drink Festival.
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So locals have no interest? So where do you think all these stall owners come from and the shoppers. Such a stupid crass statement.
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So 20,000 people are just a few hundred is it? cant count?
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The £2m figure was the last result published…
Over the years several independent 3rd party organizations have run Economic Impact Surveys on the food festival – including Birmingham University… This is a matter of public record.
It’ll be more then £2M this year – its not a small insignificant farmers market its a huge event for the area.
I’m a local and I love it.
Yes, sort out the railway, but not when it’s needed most…
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