Plans to re-open the railway line from Sheffield to Stocksbridge took a major step forward when recently elected Stocksbridge and Penistone MP, Miriam Cates submitted a formal proposal to the Department for Transport. This is the first stage of a 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 us a real opportunity to improve transport connections for our community so that we can unleash our economic and social potential.
By linking Stocksbridge and the Upper Don Valley into the national rail network we can reduce congestion and air pollution whilst also making it easier for people to access jobs, training and services across the region.
The next stage of the process requires the local MP 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.