The Robin Hood Line success story

The Robin Hood Line reopening helped to demonstrate the contribution that railways can make to improving connectivity around cities and to economic development in an area hit by pit closures.

Like many reopenings it was achieved, despite major obstacles, by the determination of the local authorities and communities involved.

There’s a strong case for the Ollerton extension, linked to wider economic development plans in the area, but it may need national support to make it happen. We’d like to see some of the billions being spent on road projects put into projects such as this and other railway reopenings around the country, with a dedicated fund within the rail enhancement programme to help councils and others make such schemes a reality.

Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transpor

The reopening of the line between Nottingham and Worksop was significant, as it brought to the East Midlands confidence that the Beeching era of cuts was over, and we were entering a new era of an expanding national railway system.

It was also significant as it showed what could be achieved when a local transport authority, in this case Nottinghamshire County Council, is absolutely determined to get a railway. The extension to Ollerton is one of Railfuture East Midlands Branch’s specified campaigns. The track is there, and we think services should be run on it as soon as the minimum additional infrastructure needed for a passenger rail service is in place. Of all the issues we are campaigning on, this one could be the closest to becoming reality.

Dr Ariadne Tampion, Chairman, Railfuture East Midlands Branch