'Leeds Railway station gets' £200 million for upgrades - when will Sheffield get a look in?'
Sheffield councillor Ian Horner calls for more investment in Sheffield’s railway
It seems to have passed unnoticed that Leeds Railway station was given 'another' £200 million for upgrades in this week's budget.
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That is in addition to the billions being spent on the TransPennine Route Upgrade between Manchester, Leeds and York.
When will Sheffield get a look in?
£200 million would pay for a new station on the old Sheffield Victoria site, which would allow more services to run now that Midland station is at full capacity.
£200 million would help reopen the Barrow Hill line through Beighton.
We watch trains diverted onto this passenger signalled line every time the main line is blocked. But we can't have passenger services of our own.
Of course we keep getting the answer 'Tram Vision'.
For the last three years I have kept asking what progress is being made on this.
I always get the same vague looking at the options, having discussions etc, etc.
In the meantime, we are left with an ageing tram fleet not due for replacement until 2032.
Why does West Yorkshire get the money and not South Yorkshire?
I fear that Coppard’s Tram Vision has become a Tram Mirage.
Perhaps the funding has dropped down another sinkhole.
Councillor Ian Horner
Liberal Democrat
Beighton Ward