A CAMPAIGN by members of Mid-Cheshire Rail Users' Association to re-open Middlewich station is gathering speed.

A survey by North West Regional Rail Study has identified the possible extension of journeys from Northwich to Crewe via Middlewich as having potential.

These findings have been welcomed by MCRUA which has been fighting to increase the use of the Sandbach-Middlewich-Northwich rail route for freight and to secure the eventual re-opening of passenger trains on the line.

The aim of the organisation's rail battle is to improve public transport in Middlewich as well as creating a link to the national rail network with services from Crewe to Manchester and Manchester Airport via Sandbach, Middlewich, Rudheath and Northwich.

Dave Roberts, of Middlewich Rail Link Campaign, was pleased with the outcome of the survey.

He said: "The North West Regional Rail Study gave consideration to the possible extension of journeys from Northwich to Crewe via Middlewich and concluded that 'a limited extension of journeys to Crewe with new, low-cost stations at Rudheath and Middlewich would appear to offer some potential if it could be achieved at marginal cost'.

"This finding is in line with representations made by MCRUA to both the sponsors of the study, North West Regional Association, and Cheshire County Council, which has adopted the re-opening of the line to passengers as policy and included it in the transport section of its most recent structure plan."

A recommendation in the study could also secure the Middlewich line's future as an important freight artery.

The survey said: "Consideration should be given for loading gauge enhancement on the route through the Cheshire salt fields."

Mr Roberts added: "MCRUA's Middlewich Rail Link Campaign committee feels fully vindicated in its actions by the findings of the NWRA survey and calls on the county council, Railtrack and the train operating companies to co-operate to ensure that the much needed re-introduction of passenger trains on the line is implemented as soon as possible."

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