West Northamptonshire Council has urged the Government to include Northampton in the passenger service plans for East West Rail to help improve access to Universal's new theme park.
Council leader Mark Arnull wrote to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP, adding the council's voice to growing cross-party calls for the town to benefit from the major infrastructure project.
Despite existing rail infrastructure already carrying freight services to Northampton Gateway, no passenger services are currently planned.
The council argues the exclusion puts residents and businesses at a significant disadvantage, particularly with the planned Universal UK resort near Bedford — one of Europe's largest future visitor destinations — set to drive demand for regional connectivity.
Improved passenger links would also support access to employment hubs in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Oxford, better connections to Luton Airport, and strengthen Northampton's position within the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor.
Cllr Arnull said: ‘This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect our communities to jobs, investment and growth, and we must not be left behind.’
The council has requested an urgent meeting with ministers ahead of final decisions on East West Rail service patterns.
