At its Full Council meeting on the 27th July 2022, Conservative led East Riding Council voted to
back York’s bid to become the new home of Great British Rail.
Great British Rail, the Government’s new lead authority on the UK’s rail transport has been
looking for a place to set up its new Headquarters. Forty-two cities and towns across the country
applied to become the new home. York has made it into the final six which are now subject to a
public vote on which should be the new Great British Rail home. Voting closes on 15th August
2022.
Wolds Weighton Ward Councillor, Leo Hammond, proposed the motion to support York, stating
“It’s important we support our neighbours in this, because if they are successful in securing this
large Government organisation, and the investment, influence and opportunities which will come
with it, as a close neighbour, the East Riding, and in particular Wolds Weighton and Pocklington
will benefit too.”
The Councillor went on to say: “If York secures this, our residents too will benefit from jobs, skills
building and better transport infrastructure, so I hope all members will agree with me and
Councillor West, that we should support York’s bid.”
Pocklington Provincial Ward Councillor, Paul West seconded the motion stating: “The railway
industry is a major source of employment for people in Pocklington Provincial and Wolds
Weighton, and our residents will only benefit with the greater job and skills building opportunities
we would gain if York secured Great British Rail, the opportunities would be immense.”
East Riding Councillors supported the Conservative’s motion and will now write to the
Government to lobby on York’s behalf. The Councillors also encourage residents to take part in
the public vote which can be found online - vote for York!
