Tamworth has been highlighted as an area where people are at risk of social exclusion as calls are made for the delivery of flagship transport scheme Midlands Rail Hub.
New research names the town as one of eight areas at ‘high’ or ‘highest’ risk of transport-related social exclusion (TRSE) in the rail hub’s catchment area, with over 325,000 individuals across the whole catchment area set to be at risk.
TRSE means being unable to access opportunities, key services, and community life as much as needed, and facing major obstacles in everyday life through the wider impacts of having to travel.
A new report called The Midlands Rail Hub: The ticket to drive social mobility says that in Tamworth, 27,537 residents (35.9 per cent) live in neighbourhoods with a nationally high risk of TRSE, 17.9 per cent higher than the UK average.
Other areas identified include Birmingham (10.4 per cent risk of TRSE), North Warwickshire (31.4 per cent) and Leicester (12.3 per cent).
The Midlands Rail Hub aims to deliver faster, more frequent or new rail links for 26 towns and cities including Tamworth.
Subregional transport body Midlands Connect – a co-sponsor of the hub – believes delivery of the project will act as a ‘catalyst for economic growth’.
CEO Maria Machancoses said: “Midlands Rail Hub is an essential railway upgrade which provides regional and national benefits. It better connects Britain by improving passenger journeys between towns and cities in the East and West Midlands, the South West, Wales and Scotland.
“A catalyst for economic growth, it will create and improve access to jobs, will develop young people through tailored apprenticeship schemes, support much-needed house building and make train travel a greener first choice for millions of people.”
Midlands Connect Data Analyst, Ridwan Nuhu who created the report, said: “Transport serves as a lifeline for everyone, one that connects people to economic opportunity, health and recreation, family and friends, and other important parts of everyday life.
“Midlands Rail Hub will boost their mobility, improve their quality of life and help people reach their full potential.
“This report explores transport related social exclusion – put simply this is being unable to access opportunities, key services, and community life as much as you want to or need to. It means facing major obstacles in life, being unable to access key destinations like the schools, hospitals or work. It really is that stark.”
Is there any prospect of public transport to Birmingham international station & NEC please