Labour has today called on the Green Administration to move forward, without delay, with a decision to extend the Volks Electric Railway (VERA) to the Marina.

A report presented to this week’s TECC Committee, proposed a new wheel chair accessible carriage and signage, but did not recommend other improvements to the much-loved heritage and transport asset, such as an extension to the Marina, a shelter at Halfway Station and new sidings at Aquarium Station so as to increase services.

Whilst welcoming agreement on disabled access, Cllr Amanda Grimshaw, Labour’s joint opposition spokesperson for Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture, commented that the report was “a missed opportunity for the many other improvements needed to the Railway”.

In particular, she highlighted the lack of a concrete plan on extension and her disappointment that the report focused wholly on negative arguments against extension.

Criticising the lack of a decision or timescale for an extension, Queens Park Councillor Nick Childs, commented:

“Labour strongly supports an extension of the VERA to the Marina. Such an extension would improve accessibility along the seafront, reduce car use in the City Centre, and generate income and employment.

“It is time this administration stopped prevaricating over this and other important infrastructure improvements and started making firm commitments for the future.

“Such an extension can be easily factored into the current redevelopment of Black Rock and would be a great addition to the plans to regenerate the Marina.”

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Image: Creative Commons