Plans on track to reopen South Yorkshire's “ghost railways”

Plans to bring back lost rail services and restore closed stations in South Yorkshire are gaining momentum, as the region moves forward with bids to level up and reconnect left behind communities.

Cases for funding have been put to Government to reopen the Don Valley Line, between Sheffield and Stocksbridge, and the Askern Line, between Doncaster and Knottingley, for local passenger services.

If given the green light, proposals will go to the next stage of the national ‘Restoring Your Railways’ programme to provide better access to jobs, homes and education.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, commented: “There is huge support for our plans to reopen the Askern and Don Valley railway lines, because of the chance it gives us to level-up communities currently left behind because of poor public transport links.

“Fixing South Yorkshire’s public transport system has to include reopening our railways and better joining up our train, tram and bus networks. Because our communities rely on these links to access the work, education and social opportunities that everyone deserves.

“The government has set a timeframe for levelling up transport connectivity across our region by 2030, but in order to achieve that goal we need them to deliver the full Northern Powerhouse Rail and match our energy and ambition for upgrading services. Projects such as ‘Restoring Your Railways’ offer a good starting point.”

South Yorkshire’s Askern and Don Valley Lines are two of 13 schemes shortlisted in October 2021 to progress to the next stage of the Government’s £500m Restoring Your Railway fund, designed to reinstate local rail services and restore closed stations.

Sheffield City Council, Doncaster Council, Derbyshire County Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and Network Rail will play a “leading role” in the delivery of the schemes.

Councillor Julie Grocutt, co-chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Change Policy Committee, and local member for Stocksbridge added: “The key to enabling our communities to grow and prosper is to connect people to opportunities, in a sustainable and inclusive way.

“That can only be done with an efficient and reliable public transport system that people trust. Whilst buses are a critical part of our transport network, and we will continue to fight for better services, a rail link is essential for long-term growth that helps to meet our net zero targets.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →