Last week, Conservative candidate for Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, James Palmer, visited Whittlesey to meet local residents and councillors. Visiting the bustling town market James outlined his plans for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough to the people of Whittlesey.
James also paid a visit to Whittlesey train station. Despite only taking taking 7 minutes to get to Peterborough by train and 35 minutes to Cambridge, due to the infrequency of trains and the dilapidated nature of the train station, few commute from Whittlesey train station. Instead more often than not, relying on the inadequate road network.
Commenting following his visit, James said:
"One of the things that struck me about Whittlesey train station was how empty the cycle racks were, clearly indicating how few people regularly commute from the station.
"Whittlesey is a thriving town of over 15,000, but like many other areas in the north of the county, it's had a rough deal in terms of investment in infrastructure. It makes no sense for the services to Peterborough and Cambridge from Whittlesey to be so infrequent.
"More often than not, due to the infrequency of the services and the sub standard nature of the train station, Whittlesey residents are having to rely on the mediocre road network. As anyone who has been stuck waiting at the King's Dyke crossing will know, the 45 min drive into Peterborough is not fun. The train services from Whittlesey should serve as a ready alternative, sadly, at the moment it doesn't.
"Central to my vision for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is the desire for wealth and prosperity to be more evenly distributed across the county. This will only happen if the north of the county gets the transport investment it needs. That means a train station for Wisbech, a solution to the King's Dyke crossing, and significant upgrades at Whittlesey train station. If elected Mayor next month, I will do everything I can to ensure that all these objectives are delivered."