North Staffordshire’s MPs and local authority leaders today welcomed the news that their bid to reopen the railway between Leek and Stoke has cleared the first hurdle.
Working together, Jack Brereton, Karen Bradley, Jo Gideon and Karen Bradley, and supported by Cllrs Abi Brown and Sybil Ralphs, put in a bid to the Restoring Your Railway Fund for money to make it possible to restore a rail link between the City and the Moorlands. Such a link would benefit not just towns and villages in the Moorlands, but also places like Milton, Abbey Hulton and Fenton Manor in the City.
The Department for Transport has confirmed that they agree that there could be economic benefit to reinstating the rail link that has been closed since the Beeching cuts of the 1950s.
The team have now been invited to work with the DfT to see how to make this a reality, considering both the benefits of such a link and how to minimise disruption for people who are worried about such a move.
Jonathan said:
When I ran as the candidate for Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, I made public transport a central part of my plan to level up. One ambition I stated was to see the reopening of the Stoke to Leek line. Delivering this would also mean an opportunity to bring back Milton Station, which I and local Councillors have called for. The economic benefit this line would bring to local businesses and high streets can’t be ignored, as well as better connecting the North Staffordshire community together. We are all sick of the congestion on our roads and better public transport is the answer to that, and the Stoke to Leek line is one way towards solving the problem. I look forward to working with Jack, Jo and Karen, alongside Abi and Sybil, to continue making our case to the Department for Transport.”
Karen Bradley MP said:
A rail link into the Moorlands would be of real benefit to people and employers. The roads into the City are becoming more and more congested and it takes ever longer for people to get about. Such a link would open up the Moorlands to many more opportunities for new jobs, visitors and travel further afield. I have worked with Cllr Ralphs on this for many years and it is great to see us get a chance to make this a reality.”
Jack Brereton MP said:
This would be of massive benefit for the entire area and particularly for Fenton, with the potential to reopen Fenton Manor station if the line were restored. It is vital we see improved local transport to help reduce congestion on our roads and make it easier for people to get around. I look forward to working together with MPs and our local councils across North Staffordshire to get this line reopened.”
Jo Gideon MP said:
I am delighted with the news that our working together for improvements to rail links in North Staffordshire has paid dividends. As well as the Stoke-Leek line, I am thrilled at the opportunity to develop a plan for an Etruria station. This will be good for connectivity, jobs and air quality, if we can reduce car journeys”.