Council 'shocked' by plans to demolish more homes

Previously 37 homes were at risk of being demolished as part of the railway project

A council said it is "shocked and disgusted" after learning more properties are set to be demolished to make way for a railway line.

The government wants to run direct trains between Oxford and Cambridge, which will include a stop at Bedford.

East West Rail (EWR) initially proposed demolishing 37 properties in Bedfordshire, but at a meeting on Tuesday, Bedford Borough Council was told a further 10 buildings, including flats and a GP surgery, are at risk.

An EWR spokesperson said that the proposed design changes "will be unsettling", but that it will be visiting residents to "explain our proposals in person".

The council said the properties at risk also include Dom Polski Club, which has been open for more than 60 years, and temporary accommodation owned by the authority.

Councillor Nicola Gribble, portfolio holder for environment, said: "This is absolutely abhorrent.

"I am shocked and disgusted. East West Rail don't seem to realise or perhaps simply don't care about the impact on people's lives, businesses, and this entire community."

The council said it is awaiting further information on the plans, with Conservative Mayor Tom Wotton pledging to keep residents informed.

Gribble added: "East West Rail indicated at the meeting that if it cannot demolish these homes it could extend the project by a further two to three years.

"Bedford Borough Council is not prepared to pay the price for their shortcomings, nor will we let our residents do so, and we will offer those residents our full support."

Dom Polski Club is one of the buildings that could be demolished

In their statement, EWR described its plans for an enlarged Bedford Station as "ambitious and transformative".

It added: "The proposed demolition of properties, while difficult, is necessary to significantly reduce construction time - by up to three years. This means the benefits of the new station can be delivered sooner, with less disruption over time."

The National Audit Office estimates the full EWR project could cost between £6b and £7b.

In their planning documents, Universal has earmarked land for a bespoke station on the line outside their proposed resort.