'We have to take risks to build major railway'

Students from Biddenham International School and Sports College, close to Bedford, could see the pros and cons of the plans

Universal's first European theme park promises to make Bedfordshire a global destination, but the multinational company has made it clear that good transport links need to be in place.

The government wants to run direct trains between Oxford and Cambridge, stopping at Bedford.

The BBC spoke to sixth-form students at Biddenham International School and Sports College, close to Bedford, about the East West Rail (EWR) project.

'Greater good'

Finn pointed out that the government had net zero targets to aim for

Finn, 17, from Bedford, said the town felt "quite unconnected" and pointed out that local people generally had to journey via London to travel further afield.

"I think it would be vital to have connections east and westwards particularly if we're thinking of Bedford's role in the coming years with our theme park that's going to be built and our rising economy."

He said rail travel played a part in where he would study at university, and said he did not choose Cambridge because current transport links were "quite terrible".

"[EWR has] got to be for the greater good, if we want to stick to our net zero targets we've got to take some risks and go with them otherwise nothing will be done," he added.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed to building East West Rail in her Budget in October.

The rail link will use the existing line between Oxford and Bicester, and a track taking trains as far as Bletchley is due to open later this year.

Moving further west, EWR wants to upgrade the track up to Milton Keynes by 2030.

It will need a development consent order from government to build a new line between Bedford and Cambridge.

The whole scheme is expected to end up costing between £5.1bn and 6.06bn.

'Don't rush it'

Amie believes the long term benefit for businesses will be significant

Amie, from nearby Great Denham, said the benefits of improving connections to Oxford and Cambridge would be "seen quickly".

"It's a perfect in practice idea, but in reality, it can be chaotic," said the 17-year-old.

"I think the government needs to be careful not to rush the foundations of the project so people's houses aren't compromised and small businesses aren't being hit when new developments need to be made."

Seventy five homes have been earmarked for demolition along the line, including 37 in Bedfordshire.

However, she suggested that the improved transport network would boost career opportunities and salaries in her area, helping households with the cost of living.

"It stops people's push to move away from Bedford and keeps those families and businesses here, and seeing a future in a place that didn't look like it had one too long ago."

'You have to take risks'

Fatima said she wanted to see improved rail links to towns and cities such as Luton, Milton Keynes and Cambridge

Fatima, 18, believes the new rail link will improve the lives of future generations, including any children she might have.

"I know there are a lot of people in this school that are aspiring to go to big universities that maybe are out of reach for them.

"One of the reasons they may not choose it, is how difficult it is to get from place to place.

"Having a direct link is really beneficial for students, people going to work; it can reduce a lot of congestion and traffic."

She thinks the short term impact will be "quite hard" but "you just have to take risks to see the benefit".

'Not viable'

Fakhir said the improved rail link would make "Bedford a strong town"

"There are a lot of pros but there are a lot of cons," said Fakir.

He does not think the link from Bedford to Cambridge will happen, based on the amount of money already spent on the planning stage.

"I don't think it's viable, it is a bit of a shame."

The 17-year-old, from Bedford, said he would have undertaken an apprenticeship in Cambridge if there had been a direct train: "It would be quicker and way cheaper for me."

He said the rail link would undoubtedly improve the economy, "especially with Universal Studios coming".

Although he speculated that both ventures would increase house prices which could "drive people away".

'It will be difficult for the next ten years'

Hannah said she was optimistic to see what benefits the plans could bring to the town

"In the long term I would appreciate it if it does bring in more tourists and more opportunities for the general rejuvenation of Bedford," said 18-year-old Hannah, from Bedford.

"[But] for our generation and for everyone currently residing in Bedford, it will be difficult for the next 10 years, especially when you're going to have all sorts of construction going on, and a lot more traffic and congestion."

'I don't think it will happen'

Stan said the new network would provide "the missing link" between Bedford and Cambridge

Stan, 18, from Bedford, also hoped the rail link would mean more industry sets up bases in the area.

"I think the economy could benefit, if companies do come here, and with Universal Studios, that could be the really big attraction and offer a lot of opportunities."

But with the cost set to be billions "I don't think it will go ahead", he added.

Milton Keynes would be one of the cities benefitting from East West Rail

An EWR Co spokesperson said the project was "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve connectivity for people and businesses".

"It will benefit communities along the entire length of the railway, by improving access to jobs, housing and leisure opportunities, whilst also cutting journey times and reducing congestion on local roads."

The spokesperson said the company understood the impact the project would have on Bedford, including properties, and that it remained "focused on mitigating" this as much as possible.