Regional Freight Workshop Railshow

20th October 2003

Freight on Rail is looking forward to holding its third rail freight workshop for local authorities in the West Midlands on Tuesday 4th November to a full house. The programme, co- hosted by Advantage West Midlands, the Regional Rail Forum and Birmingham City Council includes presentations on what already exists and is planned in the region, and what the potential is, rounded off with a visit to a local rail interchange.

Freight on Rail, a partnership between the rail freight operators, the Rail Freight Group, Network Rail, the transport trade unions and Transport 2000, concentrates on working with local and regional authorities to foster rail freight interests as part of a more sustainable distribution system.

David Bull, the Head of Transportation Strategy at Birmingham City Council, welcomed the workshop saying "The environment in Birmingham and the Region is important and we want to encourage greater use of our existing rail facilities and attract new ones for moving the Regions goods."

Campaign co-ordinator Philippa Edmunds said "Feedback from both previous events in the North East and Yorkshire & Humber regions, has been very favourable which is great. Freight on Rail tailors each event to the individual region’s requirements. We understand the obstacles which local authorities face in promoting rail freight and are able to make constructive comments as well as listening on many issues. The networking benefits for all parties to discuss the challenges cannot be underestimated and the tours are an excellent way of putting in context what is discussed in the workshop, too. We really appreciate the regions’ support and look forward to planning further events in the regions."

Philippa Edmunds on 020 8241 9982 email philippa@freightonrail.org.uk

 
Notes to editors:

Freight on Rail is a partnership between transport trades unions, ASLEF, RMT and TSSA, the rail freight operators EWS, Freightliner, GB Railfreight and Network Rail, the Rail Freight Group and Transport 2000. It works to promote the economic, social and environmental benefits of rail freight both nationally and locally. It advocates policy changes that support the shift to rail and provides information and help on freight related issues. In particular, it aims to help local authorities through all stages of the process such as planning a rail-freight strategy, accessing grants and dealing with technical matters.

For further information contact:- Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail campaigner

Tel: 0208 241 9982 email philippa@freightonrail.org.uk; web site www.freightonrail.org.uk