Kenilworth rail link finally green-lighted
A LONG-running campaign to reintroduce a railway station in Kenilworth has finally paid off.
The Government has agreed to part fund its re-opening – putting £5m towards the £11m project from its New Stations Fund. The remaining cash needed for the project will come from Warwickshire County Council.
Speaking during a visit to the town, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Our support for Kenilworth station illustrates our commitment to working with community and national partners to meet local transport needs that not only deliver real benefits to passengers but also improves the network.”
Councillor Peter Butlin, portfolio holder for transport and highways, said having the new station will provide better access to employment opportunities for people in the town.
“With the introduction of the new train service, the benefits are going to be felt over a much wider area,” he said.
Network Rail will now carry out work to integrate the plans for Kenilworth Station. Warwickshire County Council will work with Network Rail to finalise the station plans.
The Warwickshire town lost its rail link in the 1960s as part of the Dr Beeching closures. The new station will be on Priory Road in the town and could be built within two years.
The station will be on the Coventry to Leamington Spa line, allowing Kenilworth rail connections with London and the wider Midlands.
