Campaign To Re-Open Rail Line

A campaign has begun to bring back passenger services to the Leicester to Burton railway line to help reduce congestion.

The project would require a £15 million investment from the Government.

Lib Dem council leader Roger Blackmore told local press, "If there was one measure which would significantly impact on reducing congestion in the north west of the county and city, as well as further afield, it would be the reopening of the railway line between Leicester and Burton to passenger trains." He went on to say "All that is required is a modest injection of funding for a passenger route linking Leicester, the Walkers Stadium, Kirby Muxloe and Desford with Coalville and Ashby, Conkers at Moira, Burton and Derby. It seems crazy to me the Government has not jumped at the chance to ease road congestion across such a large area by utilising infrastructure that is largely already in place...... I'm seeking support."

The county council highways and transportation department stated it would cost at least £15 million to set up the service and it would need an annual subsidy of about £2 million.