The Leader of Milton Keynes Council has backed a call by business leaders to reintroduce a fast direct train service to Liverpool.

Part of the “Northern Powerhouse,” the Liverpool economy is undergoing a huge renaissance as a centre of Smart City technology and creative industries, and the expected growth is being forecast to put pressure on transport in the area.

A high level transport report has highlighted how reintroducing extra services as fast, direct links to Milton Keynes would be a huge benefit to both the cities.

Last week the “UK Powerhouse,” report highlighted Milton Keynes as the fastest growing economy in the UK, with a huge 2.6% growth last year, with massive growth in jobs related to technology, media and Big Data, so called “Smart City,” jobs.

Now the Leader of Milton Keynes has backed the idea of a fast “Smart City Link” train service with Liverpool.

Cllr Peter Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes Council said:

“Liverpool is a global city with a fast growing economy in the technology and digital sectors. It is a city with links to the world and a rich cultural heritage. Milton Keynes is the fastest growing economy in the UK with huge growth in the same Smart City sectors. It makes sense to re-establish a fast, direct link between the cities that will benefit both cities and our economy, a Smart City link.”

He continued: “The Liverpool economy is undergoing a huge renaissance and growth. There was direct service until very recently, but the time is right to reintroduce that link and provide extra connectivity for Milton Keynes to another important city, helping grow the important, well paid, technology jobs of the future in both places.”

He concluded: “The growing national importance of Milton Keynes to the national economy is highlighted in reports such as this. We are a UK Powerhouse city economy, and by working together with cities such as Liverpool we can continue our MK success story into the future, as well as building links and attracting global investment to both cities.