Liberal Democrats have yet again demonstrated their lacklustre leadership by failing to stand against East West Rail to protect Cambridgeshire’s residents.
At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday at Lib Dem-run South Cambridgeshire District Council, which is also England’s only 4-day week council, the Lib Dems’ lack of leadership was laid bare.
Resident feedback considered at the meeting accused the Lib Dem council of failing to “appropriately consider resident concerns”, including East West Rail’s damage to the greenbelt, disruptive road closures and a general lack of information surrounding the plans.
East West Rail will directly connect Oxford and Cambridge – leaving thousands of residents like piggies in the middle, with the new railway line set to sever Cambridgeshire’s countryside.
Cllr Dr Richard Williams (Conservative, Whittlesford) highlighted residents’ confusion and outrage over the Lib Dems’ lack of leadership on East West Rail:
“Can I encourage the leadership of Cabinet to take a much stronger line on this. We’ve heard very clearly the problems with this proposal and the unacceptable engagement we’ve had with East West Rail – but this report only asks Cabinet to note very technical submissions to East West Rail.
“This Cabinet can show leadership by saying ‘no, this is not acceptable’. But this report does not say that.
“On 9 January, I note there is a letter signed by the Leader which calls for East West Rail to be accelerated. So residents are confused. On the one hand, we have statements from the Leader calling for East West Rail to be accelerated; on the other hand, we have concerns about technical points, but there is no overall position.
“As the leadership of this district, you have enormous influence. And I think that influence can be used much, much better and much more clearly than it currently is.”
