Demand from the region to restore Beeching lines
As the deadline to submit proposals to Government’s £500million Restoring Your Railway fund passes, rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris has announced seven bids to build or reopen lines and stations closed during the Beeching cuts have been received from across Yorkshire and Humber
MPs and local authorities have bid for a share of the second round of the ‘Ideas Fund’, to develop proposals to build or reopen railway lines and stations – including those closed by British Rail chief Dr Richard Beeching from 1963 – in order to level up regional economies and boost access to jobs and education.
50 proposals for the restoration of lines and stations have been received nationally and will now be considered by an expert panel including Network Rail Chair Sir Peter Hendy.
The proposals from Yorkshire and Humber include ones to restore the Beverley to York line and restore passenger rail to the Sheaf Valley.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Receiving so many bids once again underlines how passionate people are about reconnecting communities.
“Local MPs, councillors and community leaders are the greatest champions of their local lines, and I look forward to working with them to ensure the projects with the greatest potential have the support they need.
“Improving local transport links is vital as we level up access to opportunities across the country, reconnect communities and kickstart our recovery from Covid-19.”
