Backtrack is a big boost for Mansfield

PEOPLE in Mansfield have labelled the announcement on HS2 as a “godsend” as plans were revealed for better transport links for north Nottinghamshire.

While yesterday’s announcement was bad news for those in favour of HS2 passing through Toton as initially promised, there were positives for those living in the north of the county.

One beneficiary is the Maid Marian Line, which was closed during the 1960s Beeching Cuts, which will provide passenger links to places such as Kirkby-in-ashfield, Selston and Pinxton.

A commitment was also made to extend the Robin Hood Line to Edwinstowe and Ollerton. This would connect with the Maid Marian Line in Ashfield to reach the Toton station, and eventually on to HS2.

Retired Bob Nelson, 71, said: “Any investment in the north of Nottinghamshire is important.

“My grandkids often get the trains into the city. I think it’ll be good for the youth.

“People I know just want to get from one part of Nottingham to another. They won’t be using it to go all the way to Leeds or places like that.” Charlie Wheatman, 70, who lives near Mansfield Woodhouse station, said: “I think it’s a great thing for Mansfield. The reopening of the Robin Hood line has been a godsend. Now that money is being invested I could hopefully get a couple of trains and head over to the capital in an hour-and-fifteen minutes. I don’t use trains as much as I’d like but now that I am retired I’m hoping I can use it a bit more.”

Sally Fielding, 67, said: “If I can get from A to B quicker then that’s good enough for me. People living in Mansfield and Ashfield deserve this.”

Lisa Riddoch, 52, who lives near Rock Valley, said: “I didn’t realise the benefits that it would have for us, Our trains at the moment only run every hour so it’s good to hear there are plans for us to get around quicker.”