The Chamber board was dismayed at the "unquestionably adverse consequences" on Luton’s economic prosperity should such a decision materialise. Their views have been echoed by businesses across the area, which are becoming increasingly concerned at delays to the scheme.
In a letter to Luton Borough Council chief executive Kevin Crompton, Chamber chief executive Richard Lacy urged him to make councillors aware of the business view on Translink’s importance in terms of making it easier for workers to travel to their place of employment in the town.
Mr Lacy (pictured) said: "We have been massively behind the Translink scheme. We have argued that it would bring economic prosperity and would facilitate jobs and the movement of employees."
In his letter to Mr Crompton, Mr Lacy said that the Chamber had kept its 1,500 members informed on the Translink scheme’s development and had consulted widely on it. He added: "I assure you that businesses have at all times been supportive of and, indeed, excited about the opportunities afforded by the scheme.
"My board has asked me to convey to you their dismay at the unquestionably adverse consequences the cancellation of such an important initiative would have on the economic prosperity of Luton."
Discussions with groups involved in major development projects in Luton – including Napier Park, London Luton Airport, Power Court and the Mall – have confirmed that the Translink scheme played a significant part in their thinking.
Mr Lacy said: "It is clear that considerable planning projections have been based on the presence of Translink and that there would be adverse consequences on the scale and pace of Luton’s employment and commercial development if the scheme did not proceed."
Chamber members had cited the imperative of significantly enhancing public transport services to enable their employees to get to work, Mr Lacy added.
"They have told the Chamber that jobs will be lost in Luton and that they will consider relocating their businesses elsewhere if improvements are not made," he said.
