News from Sheffield Labour

Labour urge Sheffield to fight for new train fleet to be built in city

Labour is urging the Lib Dem Council in Sheffield to bid to be the new home for the production of a new fleet of “Super Express” trains.

A British-led consortium called Agility Trains won the £7.5bn order, which was placed by the Government, to build and maintain a fleet of new “Super Express” trains, which will replace ageing inter-city trains on the Great Western and East Coast main lines. It is estimated around 12,500 jobs will be created.

But most importantly for Sheffield, a new train-making plant will be built to manufacture the new fleet of trains and Labour can reveal that Sheffield has been earmarked, alongside Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Gateshead, for such a facility to be located.

Former Council Leader Jan Wilson said:

“We are in a recession and when a multi-million pound contract such as this comes up for grabs Sheffield should get in there and be a part of it. However we need to strike while the iron is hot.”

Jan added:

“I understand that Sheffield has been earmarked as one of the chosen locations for the manufacturing facility, so it provides the perfect opportunity to guarantee much-needed investment within the city.

“Sheffield has always been at the forefront of engineering and has a wealth of skills and knowledge needed to meet the demand for high quality engineering jobs such as this new fleet of ‘Super Express’ trains. This city needs to stand up and be counted and get the investment it deserves.”

Other news from Sheffield Labour

• Station Bridge roundtable with Transport Ministers announced - 8 February 2012
• Paul Blomfield MP slams Tory "ambush" of Government Fair Access Director - 8 February 2012
• Angela Smith MP highlights economic problems faced by Barnsley - 7 February 2012