Four train stations could reopen to passengers on Chesterfield to Sheffield railway line

Funding has been secured by North East Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley to look at the feasability of reopening the currently freight-only line through Barrow Hill to passenger trains.

It could see stations reopen in Killamarsh, Eckington, Whittington and Staveley for the first time in about half a century.

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Conservative MP Mr Rowley has been the lead sponsor for a bid to reopen the alternative line between Sheffield and Chesterfield, which runs via Whittington, Staveley, Barrow Hill, Eckington, Renishaw and Killamarsh.

The bid, developed in partnership with Sheffield City Region and with the support of local councils and other MPs, is for the Government’s Rail Restatement Fund which aims to reopen railways closed in previous decades, including under the infamous Dr Beeching closures.

Mr Rowley said: “This is fantastic news for North East Derbyshire and another step in the right direction to improving the infrastructure and public transport in our area.

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“We know that there is a long-term issue with transport in the north of the District and the reopening of stations in places like Eckington and Killamarsh could be transformative for our area.

“It’s very early days and there are no guarantees but we have now won the funds from Government to commission a detailed study and to work with local councils and residents on a proposal.

“This will allow us then to go back to the Government with a really strong proposal for reopening this line, as well as opening railway stations in the villages.

“This is the first step in the process which, if successful, will see Eckington and Killamarsh connected to Sheffield and Chesterfield by rail.

“We look forward to working with everyone to see what is possible here.”

The route runs to the east of the Midland Main Line from Chesterfield to Sheffield via Dronfield and is known by railway workers as the ‘Old Road’.

The wider £500 million Beeching Reversal Fund is being run by the Department for Transport.

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