The Journal: Today's Voice of the North

Jun 12 2006 By The Journal

It's time to fast-track our future

Ninety minutes from the centre of Newcastle to the heart of London. Knock 15 minutes off that for the journey from Darlington.

That's the life-changing impact a Maglev rail system would have on the region as it changed forever the pattern of work and pleasure.

It's not a pipe-dream anymore either, now the 25 local authorities in the Association of North-East Councils have banded together to support a high speed rail link.

Their chairman, Mick Henry demanded a bold and ambitious plan, one so radical that key decision makers outside the region would find they have no choice but to respond.

Once upon a time, the fast moving French TGV and the bullet trains of Japan would have met that standard.

But the leader now in speed and comfort is the hyper-quick, magnet-powered Maglev system with its trains that hover above the track.

And while such technology does not come cheap, the benefits it would trigger would make the costs more than worthwhile.

Earlier this year, GNER's chief executive Christopher Garnett demanded that politicians in the North make the case for a high speed rail link with the South.

Even before then, The Journal had argued for a proactive approach to building new rail links down both sides of the island.

Now, thanks to the intervention of the Association of North East Councils, under its visionary leader Mick Henry, the campaign has moved onto a higher level.

With its great speed, and the potential it inevitably brings in its wake, the Maglev challenges the decision makers of Whitehall.

Have they the courage to pick up the gauntlet and inspire generations to come?

Rural areas deserve this

Country dwellers will not be alone in giving a warm welcome to the common sense arguments of the Commission for Rural Communities.

In its first ever report, entitled Priorities for Action, the watchdog appointed by the Government advanced a truly compelling case for the importance of rural services.

Demanding more support from ministers to keep post offices, shops and community centres open, the CRC's chairman spoke with commendable bluntness.

"It is a matter of social justice that everyone should have a decent chance in life and receive the same basic standards of service," said the Rev Dr Stuart Burgess.

Equally accurate was his observation that while it is undoubtedly expensive to ensure services are provided to scattered or small communities, that is not an excuse for Government inaction.

Neither is a lack of knowledge about what to do next, for the commission spelt out what needs to be done and prioritised it as well.

Defra's new boss, David Miliband, knows what needs to be done. Now he must do it.

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