Full Steam Ahead for Peak Rail Line

Alistair Stevens - waiting for the train

A LIBERAL Democrat government would go full steam ahead and re-open the railway line between Buxton and Matlock, it emerged this week.

In 2004, a Derbyshire County Council feasibility report concluded it would not be financially viable to revive the line, which carried express trains to Manchester and London before closing in 1968.

But if successful at the ballot box on May 6, the Liberal Democrats would make cuts to the major roads budget and establish a fund allowing councils and transport authorities to bid for cash to re-open and improve lines and stations across the country.

High Peak Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Alistair Stevens commented: "Our plans will re-open thousands of miles of track, including between Buxton and Matlock.

"For too long High Peak has been an isolated outpost with transport links problematic at best.

"This long-needed expansion should be looked at again as we plan for the next generation to live and work in the High Peak."

Mr Stevens added: "Labour has allowed the railways to wither on the vine and punished passengers with huge fare hikes while more polluting forms of transport have got cheaper.

"The Tories have been sharpening the axe to take to the transport budget."

High Peak Labour Parliamentary Candidate Caitlin Bisknell said: "I have always been a strong supporter of the re-opening; I welcomed the in-depth study that was done a few years ago.

"The study could not justify the investment at that time, which was disappointing.

"However, with climate change now high on the agenda, and investment in rail becoming popular again, it is worth trying again.

"But rail investment must be part of a strategic plan and it is irresponsible to make snap promises about individual lines."

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Andrew Bingham said: "The Liberal Democrats' rail pledge lacks any credibility.

"The huge expansion in rail spending is entirely at odds with the party's plans to cut the deficit. Their sums just don't add up."

Both the United Kingdom Independence Party and the Green Party are dedicated to re-opening lines.