Neil O’Brien, MP for Harborough has welcomed the news that the first step of the rail electrification project is now underway. In order to electrify the line between Market Harborough and Kettering, work has commenced to clear vegetation from the line that could otherwise interfere with the cables.

This is part of a wider £1.5bn rail upgrade for the region being led by Network Rail, which also includes a biodiversity action plan to create new habitats as part of the vegetation clearing.

Neil said, “This is something we’ve been calling for and campaigning on for some time now, so it’s great to see the first step underway now. Network Rail will be working hard to remove only what is necessary to ensure the cables can be laid safely and keeping the noise to a minimum.

Once completed, this will lead to quieter trains, less pollution and improved journey times. The fact that the project is now underway is great news and hopefully we can soon have the lines electrified to help with people’s journeys as the year goes on and we begin to reopen.”

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council said, “The benefits of electrification are clear and obvious, both from an environmental perspective as well as for customer journeys and experience. I’m pleased that the campaign to electrify to Market Harborough was successful and look forward to working with Network Rail and others in ensuring this goes as smoothly as possible.”