Press Release : Gamesley Train station back on course

Gamesley Councillors Anthony McKeown and Dave Wilcox were cock a hoop this week with the confirmation that the newly elected County Council cabinet had slotted the proposed Gamesley Railway station into its list of priority options for investment for the period 2015 -19.

New structures now in place mean that to access transport funding, regions have to allocate resources to schemes which meet set criteria including a business case, the potential to create jobs, positive green impacts and social improvement possibilities.

“Having ensured that the Gamesley halt proposal was in the Labour County Council manifesto for 2013 to 2017, I’m chuffed that it has made the long list so quickly,” said County Councillor Dave Wilcox.

“There have however been a few false dawns in relation the Gamesley Railway station. Starting the race doesn’t necessarily mean you end up with a place, but it’s better to be up for consideration rather than not to be in the frame at all.”

In a report to the Derbyshire Cabinet of 18th June, it is estimated that £19million could be available to Derbyshire. The six possible schemes identified will cost approximately £30 million.

Councillor McKeown says that the Gamesley scheme, costed at approximately £5,000,000, is the only railway scheme under consideration.

“I hope that a proposal that could give real hope to those seeking employment through easier access to Manchester, will be given special consideration by the County Council,” he said.

“And if we get the parking right it could also potentially reduce the level of traffic movement down both the A57 from Glossop and the A628 from Hollingworth, Tintwistle and Hadfield.”

The next stage is for the 6 Derbyshire proposals to be considered by a newly established Public Transport Body in conjunction with other schemes across Derby, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. A final list of prioritised schemes is anticipated in July.

Joan Dixon, Derbyshire Cabinet member for Jobs, Economy and Transport said that she expected pressure from Glossopdale to intensify as the deadline approached.

“I know the importance Glossop council members attach to this scheme and I hope they will not be disappointed. However, the competition is likely to be significant and there can be no promises at this stage.”