Craig Mackinlay has attended the opening ceremony of the Thanet Parkway Station in Cliffsend.
The South Thanet MP was given a tour of the stations facilities and saw the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, as well as the winning artwork in Petley’s arch from a local school competition. Music was provided throughout the event by the Thanet Big Sing Musical Community Choir.
After the ceremony Craig joined Minister for Rail, Huw Merriman, and local dignitaries on a short ride by train to-and-from Ramsgate Station.
Craig Mackinlay MP commented:
“I was delighted to attend the official opening of Thanet Parkway station with the Railway Minister, Sussex MP Huw Merriman.
“A few years ago the last piece of the funding jigsaw, some £17m, was still to be found else the Parkway project would fail. It was only after my Prime Minister’s Question in July 2020 that the required shortfall was agreed by the Department for Transport.
“We still wait a judicial decision on re-opening Manston airport, which will be the centrepiece for the renaissance of East Kent. We have a great quality, new station to accommodate whatever the future holds for Manston.”