Four closed railway stations could reopen

FOUR closed Derbyshire railway stations could be on track to reopen.

Money has been secured to fund a feasibility study into reopening stations at Killamarsh, Eckington, Whittington and Staveley for the first time in around half a century.

The Barrow Hill line between Chesterfield and Sheffield is currently only for freight but it is hoped it may one day be reopened to passengers.

North East Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley has been the lead sponsor in the bid to reopen the line between Chesterfield and Sheffield.

He has worked alongside local authorities to secure cash from the Government’s Rail Restatement Fund, which aims to reopen railways closed in previous decades.

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. This will allow us then to go back to the Government with a really strong proposal for reopening this line, as well as opening railway stations in the villages.

“This is the first step in the process which, if successful, will see Eckington and Killamarsh connected to Sheffield and Chesterfield by rail.”