Funding bid to reinstate axed rail services in North Yorkshire

The MP for York Central, Rachael Maskell, has submitted two bids for  funding which could see axed rail services in the area reinstated.

These are:

• The ‘Minsters’ rail line from York to Beverley
• The stations at Haxby and Strensall

The Department for Transport is offering support to proposals to reinstate axed local services and to restore disused stations.

Proposals from the ‘Ideas Fund’ will be discussed with expert panels to determine which proposals will be asked to develop more detailed business cases.

Rachael Maskell MP:

“I’ve submitted two cases of potential reinstatements for rail lines from York.

The first is a re-opening of ‘Minsters’ rail line from York to Beverley, there is a detailed campaign and strong local support for this line re-opening, not to mention the feasibility studies previously conducted by East Riding Council. 

The A1237 is increasingly becoming more congested and this rail link through the Haxby, Stamford Bridge, Pocklington, Market Weighton and through to Beverley will decrease journey times onward to Hull by train, without the need to travel to Selby first.

It promotes sustainable travel and will reduce traffic and pollution in our city.

And there is more:

“The second case I’ve submitted is to highlight the strength of a potential re-opening Haxby and Strensall on the Scarborough line, and the need for new train stations.

Not only should this be considered for the Reinstatement project, but I want to add strength to the case for the bid for Haxby in the New Stations Fund this Summer.”

Cllr Danny Myers, Labour Leader of the Opposition, City of York Council:

“The Labour Group welcomes our MPs support in bidding to re-open lost railway lines.

Since their closure, the areas of Haxby and Strensall have seen populations increase and the pressing need to have sustainable transport options for residents is now critical.

Cars are increasingly clogging up the Outer Ring Road and it takes longer for residents commuting to get from A-B, not to mention the air pollution from the number of cars idling in queues.

To add weight to the prospect of a new railway station at Haxby, there is a City of York Council survey of residents available online until 26 May - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HaxbyRailway - I would urge all who can to have their say on this important consultation.”

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