Gamesley Railway Station is back on track

From left: Next stop Gamesley, suggest Councillor Dave Wilcox, of Derbyshire County Council, and Councillor Anthony McKeown, of High Peak Borough Council.

Derbyshire County Council has applied for a share of a £15.32 million pot available to the local transport body over the four-year period 2015/16 to 2018/19.

Gamesley Railway Station is one of six schemes identified by the authority, which will all require a local contribution of at least 20 per cent.

A council report, prepared by the acting strategic director of environmental services, said: “The busy Glossop to Manchester railway line runs next to the estate and a new station would provide improved access to employment and education opportunities in Greater Manchester.”

It added that the Gamesley Estate had the highest level of unemployment in the High Peak borough and low levels of car ownership and that the Pennine Bridleway National Trail passed next to the proposed site of the station, which would enable sustainable access.

County Councillor Dave Wilcox said he was “chuffed” at the news, saying: “There have been a few false dawns in relation the Gamesley railway station. Starting the race doesn’t necessarily mean you end up with a place, but it’s better to be up for consideration rather than not to be in the frame at all.”

Borough Councillor Anthony McKeown said: “I hope that a proposal that could give real hope to those seeking employment through easier access to Manchester will be given special consideration by the county council.

“And if we get the parking right it could also potentially reduce the level of traffic movement down both the A57 from Glossop and the A628 from Hollingworth, Tintwistle and Hadfield.”

The next stage is for the Derbyshire proposals to be considered by a newly established Public Transport Body in conjunction with other schemes across Derby, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

A final list of prioritised schemes is anticipated in July.

Joan Dixon, Derbyshire Cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport said that she expected pressure from Glossopdale to intensify as the deadline approached.

She said: “I know the importance Glossop council members attach to this scheme and I hope they will not be disappointed. However, the competition is likely to be significant and there can be no promises at this stage.”