Pleas for funding to save railway project

CONCERN has been raised that a £1.4million grant to enable the train line to be brought back into Leek could be in jeopardy if match funding is not found.

Churnet Valley Railway has been successful in its bid to the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development ( EAFRD) and has been awarded £1.4m to reinstate the whole length of the track The Leekbrook to Leek rail line

However, they are £250,000 short of match funding due to the coronavirus pandemic hitting the country.

Now it has been suggested that the Moorlands Partnership Board – operated by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council – considers donating any unused funding left over this financial year to the railway project.

A report by the council’s executive officer, Neil Rodgers, said: “Covid has resulted in economic impacts that have placed financial burdens on property and business owners investing in their buildings.

“As a result, it is unlikely that the entire £50,000 budget will be allocated this year.

“Churnet Valley Railway (CVR)

has been successful in its bid to the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and has been awarded £1.4m to reinstate the whole length of the track.

“The Leekbrook to Leek rail line extension is a strategic first step to reinstate rail connection to Stoke and mainline rail.

“CVR have lost their ability to raise match funding under normal procedures. Without finding the match funding, there is a possibility that the £1.4m could be lost and the project will not be completed.”

The Moorlands Partnership has previously donated £53,791 to the project.

Board member Councillor Andrew Hart said: “Following Covid-19, people wishing to take holidays will go for Staycation. Any attractions we have in the Moorlands should be supported.”

Councillors agreed to look at future grants in March.

Chairman of the board, Councillor Hilda Sheldon, said: “The Moorlands Partnership Board will consider grants in March.

“If the railway was connected to Stoke, it would reduce car travel.

“We will accept any grant applications until March.”