Stephen Morgan MP has hosted a summit in Parliament with the Chief Executives of Network Rail and Portsmouth Football Club to agree a way forward on efforts to improve infrastructure links to Fratton Park.
It comes as the project reaches a pivotal milestone to secure funding for a feasibility study to look at options for the proposed footbridge.
The City MP and Chief Executive of Portsmouth FC, Andrew Cullen, made the case for the new footbridge to be built and raised Pompey fans safety concerns on their behalf, as well as the strong business case for the proposed bridge, and called on Network Rail to play their part in delivering the project.
Safety concerns at Fratton Station have ramped up in recent months with several reports of overcrowding on Goldsmiths Avenue during match days.
Network Rail reaffirmed their commitment to supporting in kind and will continue working closely with the City MP to deliver his joint ambition with Portsmouth FC, the city council and local landowners.
Mr Morgan has long supported the club with its idea of a pedestrian walkway direct from Fratton station to the Pompey Centre to ease congestion and has been working with others to help unlock investment and improve pedestrian safety.
The MP has set up and chairs a regular forum to bring decision-makers together, with involvement from PFC, Network Rail, rail operators, landowners and the city council.
Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
”I was pleased to convene this important meeting in Parliament between the leadership of Network Rail and Portsmouth Football Club to progress discussions on how we can work together to improve infrastructure links to Fratton Park.
“With commitment at the highest level, there is clear progress towards our shared goal to deliver the regeneration Fratton station and the surrounding area needs and deserves.
“I will continue doing all that I can to turn this ambition into reality”.
Mr Morgan is encouraging supporters to get in touch if they would like to share their experiences of Fratton Station and Goldsmith Avenue on match days by emailing stephen.morgan.mp@parliament.uk.
