Transport for the North regularly joins conference events across the political spectrum to hear from our diverse Northern local communities. We listen to their feedback and ideas on our Northern transport strategies, and the ambitious social and economic outcomes we should be striving for as a region.
The event was a chance to reflect on the current economic challenges and how the North could be an economic powerhouse with the right investment, transforming our towns and cities through vastly improved regional rail and road connectivity. While Transport for the North focuses on pan-regional transport, we also want to be in tune with our individual local authority plans and make sure we have a joined-up approach, so it was a good chance to hear about what is being done in Cheadle, Barnsley, Hazel Grove and beyond.
The timely discussion came just ahead of the Transport for the North Board meeting on 20 March, where Northern Leaders are set to approve the second iteration of the Strategic Transport Plan, setting out the North’s evidence-based strategic transport priorities for the decades to come.
Our Public Affairs and Engagement Officer, James Barber, chaired the evening of discussion and debate around how we can collaborate to #TransformTheNorth. We were pleased to be joined on the panel by key Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidates and Leaders, with the room hearing a wide-range of views and priorities, while recognising the benefits of coming together as a region to plan our transport networks of the future. While panellists touched on a range of issues, governance of bus services and the cancellation of HS2 were firmly at the forefront of the debate.
Our panellists included…
We were delighted with the lively debate in the Q&A and the engagement from delegates who were passionately representing their area, expressing the need to see positive change towards a more sustainable and accessible transport system in their community.
Cllr Kitching said:
“Too often the government’s focus is on North – South connectivity, when I find that most people’s priority is town to town connectivity. We need fast, reliable local connections to allow people to get around for work and leisure, but that often means moving across not just local authority but also county boundaries.
“Therefore interconnected, team working is crucial, and speaking as #OneVoice for the north has the potential for truly transformative change in our transport networks. This transformation must always consider the transport needs of isolated and rural communities, as well as urban areas, and can bring about real regeneration of left behind areas.”
Cllr Tom Morrison said:
“It was wonderful to be part of this panel discussion with Transport for the North. Cheadle desperately needs more transport investment, as one of the busiest commuter communities our links to the wider northern region are vital for business and employment.
“The North can be one of the most economically successful regions in Europe, but for that to happen we need to get the transport right. We must do everything we can to deliver better West to East rail links and truly connect the region.”
James Barber said:
“It was great to be back chairing TfN’s fringe at the Lib Dem Conference, this time in the great Northern city of York. With the local elections in May and a looming General Election this year, it is pivotal that Transport for the North is leading conversations around how we can transform our region with the transport investment it requires, and to build consensus with one of the main political parties is always a priority for us.
“Thanks to my brilliant panel for their insights, and I hope that attendees will continue fighting for our region and for transport to be the catalyst for wider economic development that will allow the North to reach its untapped potential.”