Yesterday the Department for Transport (DfT) have announced that Beeston and Tarporley Station Reopening Group have been successful in their bid to the Beeching Reversal ‘Ideas Fund’ for resources to progress the project to the next stage of development.
Michael Flynn, Chairman of the Beeston and Tarporley Station Reopening Group, commented:
“This is just the start of a long process, but it is a major achievement for all of those who worked so long and hard to prepare an outstanding proposal.
“There were over 50 bids submitted to the Department for Transport and, only 15 have been successful in progressing to the next stage, so this is a major vote of confidence in the project.
“I would particularly like to thank our local MP Edward Timpson for his unswerving support and sponsorship, without which this success would simply not have been possible.”
The award is for £50,000 towards developing a formal business case, and also comes with the pledge of Department for Transport support to ensure that the next phase—a submission to the Stations Fund for funding to construct and commission the station—is robust and capable of approval.
Edward Timpson CBE MP added:
“This is excellent news which I’m delighted to welcome, and it underlines how passionate people are about reconnecting communities.
“Local MPs and community leaders are the greatest champions of their local lines, and I will continue to work with Mike and his group to ensure this project is well supported in Whitehall.
“Improving local transport links is vital as we level up access to opportunities across the country, reconnect our lives and kickstart our recovery from Covid-19.”
News of the funding came in a letter from Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP, the letter can be viewed below.