Harborough Rail Users have submitted their response to Network Rail's consultation on the track realignment and station upgrade at Market Harborough. Following the well-attended public exhibition on the plans at the town's Market Hall on 27th February, the HRU Committee discussed the proposals and have now written to Network Rail.  In summary, HRU:

• Supports the full realignment of the track as proposed.
• Welcomes the opportunity this gives to remodel the station with full length (240m), full height platforms on a straighter alignment, reducing the gap between platform and train.
• Supports the relocation of the main car park to the east side of the line with a new entrance building on that side.  This requires modification of the access road to give a safe junction with Rockingham Road.
• Calls for the retention of full access to the station from the ‘town’ side of the line for pedestrians, cyclists, disabled people and those arriving by bus or taxi or being dropped off or picked up by car.
• Welcomes the provision of a footbridge with lifts.
• Calls for facilities suitable for this increasingly busy station, including proper provision for disabled people throughout the rebuilt station, provision of platform canopies (something the present station completely lacks!), and provision of appropriate ticketing and retail facilities.
• Calls for the local authorities to play their part in supporting and facilitating the scheme; for example, via the related highway aspects.
  

On Saturday 27th February, Network Rail staged its 'public information event' on the Market Harborough upgrade scheme at the Town's Market Hall.  Four representatives from NR and one from contractor firm Carillion were on hand with display panels and aerial photographs showing the current and proposed track layout through Market Harborough.  The intention is to undertake the complete straightening scheme from the south end of the present station through to just north of Great Bowden, entirely on existing railway land.  The station would receive its full-length straight platforms with proper accessibility and up to 500 parking spaces are to be provided along with a new station entrance on the east side of the line.  Views expressed were supportive of the scheme and included the strong desire to retain the existing station building and full access from the town (west) side of the line.  It was interesting to note that the current engineers' sidings on the east side of the line are to be relocated to Knighton Junction, near Leicester.  Also noteworthy was Network Rail's intention to retain the existing Victorian goods shed adjacent to these sidings, refurbishing it for retail use and possibly even as a new station entrance building on the east side.
Many local people took the opportunity to view the outline proposals, ask questions and make comments.  The Harborough Rail Users Committee is meeting on 2nd March to discuss the proposals.