HARROGATE TO LONDON DIRECT RAIL SERVICES

That this House welcomes the application for regulatory approval for Harrogate Trains Limited to operate a direct rail service connecting Harrogate, Starbeck, Knaresborough and Wetherby to London; recognises the lack of direct return services between the capital and the Harrogate area; understands that, if approved, the rail service could commence as early as summer 2009; further understands that this investment will benefit conferences and tourists visiting Harrogate and the surrounding district; believes that some 100,000 long distance road journeys per year could be saved by these proposals; and agrees that such a direct rail service would boost the Harrogate economy, and give passengers a fully-deserved and long awaited service whilst providing significant environmental benefits.