Funding pledge moves east/west rail link closer

Plans for an East/West rail link have moved a step closer with a funding pledge of £45m.

Seven councils met in London to pledge the money which means work can start on opening the line between Bicester and Bletchley in the next few years.

Contributions to the fund came from Milton Keynes Council, Buckinghamshire County Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and Aylesbury Vale Council.

The rail link would transform journeys from Stansted, Ipswich and Norwich through to Oxford.

Andrew Sinclair reports.