A CAMPAIGN to reinstate Middlewich railway station and reopen the Sandbach to Middlewich line is a step closer to success after a new group was set up on Friday.

And the steering group to focus on Middlewich railway issues will meet for the first time at the council chambers, Lewin Street, on Friday.

Dave Roberts, chairman of Middlewich Rail Link Campaign, said: "This is a tremendous breakthrough.

"It is exactly what we have been hoping and waiting for for many years."

The group will be chaired by county councillor Mark Dickson and made up of representatives from Congleton and Vale Royal borough councils, Middlewich, Northwich and Sandbach town councils, Middlewich Vision, Transport 2000, the Mid-Cheshire Rail Partnership, Weaver Valley Regional Park and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Dave said: "Representatives from both Network Rail and Northern Trains were at the meeting on Friday and they both told us what we already knew - that for the Middlewich scheme to succeed a strong business case needs to be made, and the viability of a new station and passenger service proved beyond doubt.

"We are more than confident this can be done - after all, this is the very reason why our campaign has been kept going for all these years."

Dave emphasized that the Rail Link Campaign would continue.

He said: "People in Middlewich have, on the whole, been very patient with us but many must have been wondering if any progress would ever be made on giving the town back the rail service it deserves and desperately needs. All I can say is that the next phase in the campaign starts now - watch this space."