North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, welcomed Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, to Swindon to meet local hardworking people who are helping to rebuild the economy.
The pair were joined by South Swindon MP, Robert Buckland, as they visited the site of track re-doubling on the Swindon-Kemble line, as well as key local employer MAN, who are developing the latest military vehicles that will soon be handed over troops on the frontline in Afghanistan.
The re-doubling of the Swindon-Kemble line, announced at the same time as plans were unveiled for the electrification of the Great Western Mainline, will ease congestion, reduce delays and crucially, increase capacity – allowing commuters far easier access to Swindon and boosting the town's economy. The scheme costing £41.7million, is part of a £5billion investment in rail infrastructure which will create jobs and growth in Swindon and the surrounding area. The Chancellor and both local MPs joined Network Rail staff and turned their hand to laying and securing track on a small section on the line, due to be opened next year.
Following this, Justin joined the Chancellor at local engineering company MAN, and viewed work being done to finish armed personnel carriers and other military transport equipment that will soon be moving troops across Afghanistan. The Chancellor praised the work that Swindon company, MAN, were undertaking as part of the Government's commitment to protect our brave armed forces and provide them with the best equipment possible.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: "It was fantastic to welcome the Chancellor to Swindon to meet the hardworking people who are helping rebuild our economy. There is so much going on in Swindon at the moment and at MAN, local engineers are developing the latest military vehicles that will keep our brave troops safe in Afghanistan and beyond. In addition, good transport links are essential to the further development of Swindon, and I'm pleased the Chancellor got to see firsthand the work being done on the re-doubling of the Swindon-Kemble line which will reduce delays, increase capacity and invests in Swindon's future.
