Better connectivity

It is my priority to ensure that every household has access to rapid broadband and a choice of excellent transport options by:

  • Campaigning for better bus routes. I have already secured £2.6 million for improvements to existing bus services and I successfully campaigned for a new bus route from Newbury up the A34 via Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
  • Building on my recent work to get Gigabit broadband delivered to the RG20, RG17, RG14 and RG7 postcodes, I will continue to bring coverage to the remaining blackspots. Since I was elected, full fibre broadband coverage across West Berkshire has doubled. 
  • Securing flexible season tickets on trains – to reflect the fact that many people will be working from home more in the future and will want their travel costs to reflect this;
  • Working with Highways England on their 5-year plan to improve safety on the A34 north of Newbury.
  • Continuing to support local rail users and users groups to ensure the best service possible.
  • Campaigning for a bridge over the railway line in Thatcham due to the delays caused by the level crossing.

News

Laura meets with GWR and Network Rail

On Tuesday Laura spoke to GWR's Managing Director Mark Hopwood and Network Rail's Western Route Director Marcus Jones to ask what they are doing to urgently address the issues with services to and from London Paddington. Laura said:

Thatcham Level Crossing Survey

Following a meeting this week with representatives of Network Rail, Laura has launched a survey concerning the waiting times at Thatcham Level Crossing.

Laura said:

Newbury Weekly News: Campaigns & Priorities

The final debate of the parliamentary year - now called The Sir David Amess Debate after its most loyal attendee - is an opportunity for MPs to set out their aspirations for their constituencies over the year ahead.

Laura welcomes the Transport Secretary to Newbury

Laura welcomed the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, to Newbury Bus Station to show him how investment from the Department for Transport has improved local bus services. Most notably, the new X34 route linking Newbury, Harwell and Didcot which launched this week.

Laura visits Thatcham Level Crossing

As part of Laura's campaign for a bridge over the Thatcham level crossing, she went to visit the Colthrop site and meet with the signal control box manager to discuss the issue.

Speaking about the visit, Laura said:

New bus route linking Newbury, Harwell & Didcot

Laura has secured her new bus route from Newbury to Didcot via Harwell Science and Innovation Campus after a two year campaign.

Laura attended the official launch of the service on 6 July at Harwell Campus.

Following the launch, Laura said: