The government has confirmed it will fund the reopening of the Barrow Hill Line to passengers after being used as a freight-only line for the last six decades.
The line was closed to the public as part of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s, but local officials have been campaigning to reopen it to passengers, in order to improve sustainable public transport for the region.
Prior to its closure to the public, the Barrow Hill Line line ran between Chesterfield and Rotherham. Trains stopped at Clay Cross, Whittington, Barrow Hill, Staveley, Renishaw, and Killamarsh.
Its re-opening is part of a number of local infrastructure projects announced by the government across the north and midlands.
The ‘Network North’ scheme was revealed at the same time as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak announced that the second phase of HS2, which would have seen high-speed trains picking up passengers from Chesterfield, had been cancelled.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We have been working with our partners for the last few years to establish a strong business case for the reopening of the Barrow Hill Line and we are pleased that the government can now provide certainty on the future of this project.
“It complements ongoing investment in Staveley through the Town Deal and by the council and private sector partners – together these investments will help ensure Staveley residents have access to more employment opportunities and that the local economy can thrive.
“We were very disappointed with the Government’s announcement to cancel HS2 north of Birmingham, and we are still seeking clarity on what alternative investment may be coming to the Chesterfield borough area.”
In addition, Network North promises a number of infrastrcture improvements for our region:
- Ensuring the delivery of 10 road schemes in the Midlands.
- Supporting the incoming East Midlands Mayor with a new transport devolution settlement of £1.5 billion.
- Extending the £2 bus fare through to the end of 2024.
- Funding for hundreds of new local bus routes through Bus Service Improvement Plans.
- Commitment to an additional £2.2 billion to tackle potholes.
It also comes just days after the announcement that a further £20 million has been allocated to improvements in Chesterfield, with a town board expected to be formed in order to formulate a long-term plan for the borough.
Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield – a town with an excellent strategic location, affordable business premises and a wide-ranging network of support.
