MP calls for direct trains to Universal theme park

An MP has launched a campaign calling for direct trains from his constituency to Universal's planned UK theme park.

Mike Reader, the Labour MP for Northampton South, said in the House of Commons on Thursday he planned to raise the issue with the Minister for Rail, Lord Hendy.

He said freight trains already use the line to Northampton Gateway and "all that's missing is the commitment to let local people use it".

Last week, the government revealed it had committed £1.3bn in funding to Universal United Kingdom Resort, which will be built near Bedford.

"One of the biggest theme parks in Europe is being built on our doorstep and right now the plan is for Northampton to miss out on the opportunity this brings. I don't accept that," said Reader.

At the moment, passengers have to change trains at Bletchley to access East West Rail and travel on routes between Oxford and Cambridge, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Reader said such a connection was "about far more than days out".

It would also open up jobs in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Oxford, as well as connecting Northampton residents to the Ox-Cam Growth Corridor by rail.

"Universal itself will create thousands of jobs, and our residents should be able to get to them," he added.

Comcast NBCUniversal has previously said it expected the attraction to draw 8.5 million visitors a year when it opens in 2031, with ambitions for it to become Europe's most-visited theme park.

The government's contribution will go towards upgrading local infrastructure and transport links to help accommodate visitors from across the UK and overseas.

Part of the government's investment will fund upgrades to Wixams station to create a four-platform stop, as well as improvements to the A421, which were expected to cost £474m.

Wixams is the Thameslink line stop closest to the resort, but there is also a planned East West Rail station at Stewartby, expected to open in the early 2030s.

Reader's comments came after West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet approved a rail action plan, which set out a framework for delivering improvements.

Its executive director of place and economy, Stuart Timmiss, told Tuesday's meeting for the Reform UK-led council wanted to make sure it could "maximise the opportunities" for the area through East West Rail.

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