Jonathan Gullis met with the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, to discuss the ongoing dispute over the remediation work at Kidsgrove Station.
The remediation work is essential for the project’s redevelopment. However, the £8 million fee has not been taken on by either the Department for Transport or Network Rail. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council have pledged to cover the insurance costs, but argue remediation work should be undertaken by the site’s legal owners, Network Rail.
The money already invested must be spent by March 2026. Jonathan has stressed that he is “deeply concerned” that this may prevent the full regeneration of the station from going ahead.
Plans include a new car park to increase capacity and drive more footfall into Kidsgrove Town Centre which will supplement the landmark Town Deal funding. This is in addition to other upgrades at the station including new shelters on the platforms and a cafe. There's also the Shared Services Hub, which is another significant beneficiary of the Town Deal Fund.
At the meeting, the Secretary of State reiterated that the scheme is guaranteed and will be redelivered. The remaining issue is now how much the remaining scheme will end up costing.
Commenting, Jonathan Gullis MP said:
“It was great to meet the Transport Secretary. Upgrades to Kidsgrove Station are fundamental to the town’s redevelopment. Funding has to be used by March 2026. It is imperative that the Secretary of State presses Network Rail take responsibility for the remediation work so this essential redevelopment work can get under way.
Our plans include a new car park and upgrades to the station including new shelters and a cafe. Alongside the exciting new shared services hub, the station will drive footfall to the town centre and benefit the great small businesses we have there."
Commenting, The Rt Hon Mark Haper, Secretary of State for Transport, said:
“Jonathan is a fantastic champion for Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke and it was good to meet with him again to discuss Kidsgrove Station.
“We are committed to delivering on the upgrades to Kidsgrove Station. It’s a central part of the town’s wider redevelopment. That’s why Jonathan and I have been working constructively to ensure that the remediation work takes place as soon as practically possible.”