PLANS AIM TO BRING RAILWAY LINE BACK INTO USE

Plans have been unveiled to bring a former station and railway line in Yorkshire back into use.

Funding is being sought from the government to reopen Askern Station and the Askern Line, between Doncaster and Knottingley, for passenger services following its closure in 1948.

Plans would create new rail links between South and West Yorkshire, bringing economic and environmental benefits through better access to jobs, homes and education.

If given the green light, the project is also expected to cut congestion on the A19 and boost connectivity between South and West Yorkshire, including towns around Knottingley and Pontefract.

Doncaster Council Wakefield Council, The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail are bringing forward the project.

South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard met sponsoring MP for the scheme, Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, and campaigners for the project in Askern.

He said: "Fixing South Yorkshire's public transport system is a key priority; it has to include reconnecting our communities with our railways and better links between our train, tram and bus networks, to not only meet our net zero goals but to open up the work, education and social opportunities that everyone in South Yorkshire deserves.

"The government have set a timeframe for levelling up transport connectivity across our region by 2030, but we need them to match our energy and ambition. We've been working to keep the pressure on both Government and transport companies, to get the investment we need here in South Yorkshire in order to achieve that goal. Rubber-stamping projects such as our 'Restoring Your Railways' plans offer a great starting point."

Ed Miliband added: "The Askern Station bid is immensely important for the area. It will connect people with employment opportunities in West Yorkshire and Doncaster, it will take cars off the over-congested A19, and it will bring people into Askern to visit the lake and the fantastic local shops, cafes and other small businesses the town has to offer.

More information and source here: Plans aim to bring railway line back into use | Yorkshire Business News (insidermedia.com)