Reopening long lost Sheffield railway line 'would lift community out of transport poverty'

A key date is looming in the fight to reopen a long lost Sheffield railway line, funding towards which could be secured in as little as three months.
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That's according to the MP spearheading plans to revive passenger trains between Stocksbridge and Sheffield city centre, who insists the move would be a game-changer for the region.

Initial proposals to reopen the route were submitted to the Government last Friday by Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates and partners, who are seeking a slice of £500 million towards the project.

Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates with railways minister Chris Heaton-Harris when he visited the Stocksbridge-Sheffield line in December 2019Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates with railways minister Chris Heaton-Harris when he visited the Stocksbridge-Sheffield line in December 2019
Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates with railways minister Chris Heaton-Harris when he visited the Stocksbridge-Sheffield line in December 2019
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They now have until March 16 to put forward more detailed plans, after which they expect to hear by June whether they have been awarded the money to prepare a full business case.

Ms Cates, who is confident the project can clear that first hurdle, says it would ease congestion on the region's 'gridlocked' roads and improve opportunities and access to vital services for a community which often feels 'left behind'.

"We've had every indication from the Department for Transport that this is the kind of line they're looking to reopen," she said.

"There's lots going for it in terms of the socio-economic benefits and it's also a working line, with track and train, which means it would be relatively inexpensive."

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More than 50 years since passenger services were axed, the line now carries just two freight trains a day to and from the steelworks.

Ms Cates, in conjunction with Sheffield City Region and the Don Valley Railway campaign group, believe that up to three trains an hour could run between Stocksbridge and the city centre.

Trains could stop at Deepcar, Oughtibridge, Wadsley Bridge and Neepsend, and potentially link into the wider network to serve Rotherham, Chesterfield, Workshop and even Lincoln.

Ms Cates claims the plans have 'overwhelming support' within her constituency, where a 'poor' bus service and often 'gridlocked' roads into town have left people feeling increasingly isolated.

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There is bound to be some cynicism, given numerous false dawns in the past and the future of HS2 remaining up in the air amid ballooning costs.

But Ms Cates insists the need is greater than ever and the will is there to get it done this time.

"Stocksbridge is often talked about as being left behind. There's a strong, vibrant, close-knit community but people don't have the same opportunities as elsewhere," she said.

"They have to choose between accepting work that's perhaps not as well paid or high status, and leaving the area.

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"It's in transport poverty according to a report published two years ago, since when things haven't improved, but reopening the railway line could change that.

"It would attract investment, better connect commuters and people travelling to training, and improve access to vital services like healthcare in the city.

"At the moment congestion's so bad and the bus service is so poor that it can take all day to get to and from a hospital appointment, which isn't right."