Campaign to reopen historic railway line takes major step forward

A PLAN to reopen a railway line in Derbyshire could help deprived towns recover, it is claimed.

The Barrow Hill line between Chesterfield and Sheffield has not seen a passenger train stop on it for more than 60 years after its stations were shut.

The line, which runs through Staveley, Eckington, Whittington, and Killamarsh is now mainly used for freight, although there are hopes it can be restored for passenger services. A group of people and organisations including MP for North East Derbyshire Lee Rowley, Chesterfield and District Civic Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council, have banded together to see if this can become a reality.

The group have put forward proposals to open four stations, something they say would benefit people living in these communities.

Now, thanks to funding from the Government, a feasibility report will be created into how this could happen, along with nine other schemes. As part of the Government’s Restoring Your Railway initiative, they will compete for cash to be brought back into use.

The line is actually the original route between Chesterfield and

Rotherham. It was still in use up until just after the Second World War, after which it was closed to passengers and the stations were demolished.

The campaign has been pushed forward by Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire.

Mr Rowley said: “We know that there is a long-term issue with transport in the north of the District and the reopening of stations in places like Eckington and Killamarsh could be transformative for our area.

“It’s very early days and there are no guarantees, but we have now won the funds from Government to commission a detailed study and to work with local Councils and residents on a proposal.

“We look forward to working with everyone to see what is possible here.”