A Conservative amendment to an opposition Notice of Motion regarding Rugby Parkway was unanimously voted for at last nights Council meeting. 

Cllr. Seb Lowe, speaking for the first time in the Council chamber as the Portfolio Holder for Growth and Investment said in his speech, ...."that it is of the greatest importance that this borough gets a second mainline railway station, and that station should be the proposed Rugby Parkway."  

He continued to speak passionately and positively about the need for a second mainline and added, "Its time we took a wider look at transport infrastructure in this borough."  He went on to say that the Council needs to work closely with all key stakeholders and concluded, "Yes, I believe we should build Rugby Parkway. But at the same time, we should not lose sight of the fact that investment may also be required in our existing mainline station and its associated infrastructure."

The amended motion in full, which was unanimously passed:

'Following the recent announcement about the the unsuccessful bid to secure funding for the Rugby Parkway Station and comments made by the national planning inspectorate in relation to the local plan in Rugby, that the Council will continue to work with all parities including Warwickshire County Council (as the Transport Authority) the DfT and developers, to secure any funding available that will improve and add to the transport links in Rugby. Whilst also ensuring that the existing Rugby Station is not adversely impacted and the surrounding infrastructure continues to receive investment and upgrades where necessary.  It is crucial that we secure this funding as quickly as possible to ensure the local plan is both viable and environmentally sustainable.'

Councillor Lowe's speech in full is below.

Photo: Cllr. Seb Lowe, "That it is of the greatest importance that this borough gets a second mainline railway station, and that station should be the proposed Rugby Parkway."