Milestone passed - Stocksbridge rail service
Plans to restore a rail passenger service from Sheffield to Stocksbridge took a major step forward yesterday when I submitted a formal proposal to the Department for Transport.
This is the first stage of the formal process we need to follow to restore passenger services to railways that have been closed since the infamous 'Beeching Axe' of the 1960's.
The proposal has been drafted in partnership with the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and the Don Valley Railway campaign group, and asks the Government for funding to produce a full business case for a service of up to three trains per hour between Stocksbridge and the centre of Sheffield. It could also see passenger trains stopping at Deepcar, Oughtibridge, Wadsley Bridge and Neepsend.
This proposal offers an opportunity to improve transport connections so helping to develop the economic and social potential of our community.
By linking Stocksbridge and the Upper Don Valley into the national rail network congestion and air pollution can be reduced whilst also making it easier for people to access jobs, training and services across the region.
The next stage of the process requires me and a sponsor body, in this case the Sheffield City Region, to submit a full written bid to the Department for Transport, followed by a presentation to a panel of ministers and officials in March 2020.
I look forward to continuing to move this important project forward and will be presenting our proposal to the panel next month.
