Call to extend Robin Hood Line and Electrify Midland Mainline

We have sent a letter to the Department of Transport, and copied to Mark Spencer MP and Ben Bradley MP, calling for the extension of the Robin Hood Line from Shirebrook to Ollerton and for a reversal of the extremely disappointing decision to halt the electrification of the Midland Mainline.

The letter reads as follows:
I am writing on behalf of the Nottinghamshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). CPRE believes a good rail service could be a lifeline for England. People in urban areas need good rail services to get out of town and people in rural areas need the same to get into towns and round and about. Trains take the pressure off the roads and runways – benefiting everyone and the environment.

Robin Hood Line Extension: Shirebrook to Ollerton

We are very disappointed that the July 2017 East Midlands Rail Franchise Public Consultation document does not take a more positive approach to the proposal to extend the Robin Hood line from Shirebrook to Ollerton.

Page 31 includes the statement:

“A proposal has been made by Nottinghamshire County Council to reopen a railway line from Shirebrook to Ollerton for use by passenger trains. This line is currently used only by freight traffic and as a test track and connects to the existing passenger railway between Nottingham and Worksop. Reopening the branch line to passenger traffic would require the renovation and reopening of two former railway stations, construction of a new station at Ollerton and reopening the relevant track for passenger use”.

There is not even a hint here that the Government endorses the proposal, not even in principle. Instead, there is a rehearsal of difficulties, without any indication whatsoever of a wish to overcome them. The associated question for consultation (no.11) is all about funding sources: and we take it that there is no intention that the funding might come from the government.

Indeed, we get the unfortunate impression that the Government is, if anything, retreating from this proposal. A previous rail minister, Claire Perry said:

“We are committed to making journeys better for passengers, which is why we are investing record amounts in improving the rail network across the UK”.

and

“I recognise the significant benefits that an extended Robin Hood Line could bring to the area, and we are working positively with Nottinghamshire County Council to look at how this scheme could be taken forward.”

Mr Mark Spencer MP (Sherwood) has raised the matter several times at Prime Minister’s Questions and received encouraging responses from the previous Conservative Prime Minister viz:

‘‘following representations from my honourable friend (Mark Spencer) the Department of Transport has revised the conditions for their New Stations Fund so that projects like the Robin Hood Line that are in earlier stages of development can benefit from Government money to kickstart them and get them going.’’

We understand that Mr Spencer and Mr Ben Bradley MP (Mansfield) have been seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State. On the assumption that these two Members of Parliament intend to press the case for the project to proceed, we wish to offer our support to them in their efforts. It is our belief that the establishment of passenger trains on this line would bring substantial benefit to local people, enabling them to travel more easily to work over a wider area, and enhancing local tourism and business.

On the question of funding, we recognise that there is no magic money tree, except for when political survival is at stake. We just hope that the funds that have been found for such ends to the benefit of Northern Ireland are not at the expense of necessary projects in England, and here in the East Midlands. In any event, we suggest that where political will exists, a way could be found.

Midland Mainline Electrification

The recent announcement cancelling electrification of the Midland Mainline is a deep disappointment. It is worse than that: it is a disastrous decision on economic, social and environment grounds. It is ridiculous that the central train route to the East Midlands and on to Sheffield should not have an “electric spine”, especially when one looks to draw comparisons with the electric services available across the rest of Europe. Electric trains are faster, cleaner, weigh less, so not run out of fuel and last longer. Bi-modes operating under electric wires must drag a diesel engine and fuel tank weighing several tonnes and, off the wires, have to drag a transformer and associated equipment around. We do not believe that these trains will be as fast as the government claims, give the required switch-overs, and they will still burn fossil fuel.

Yours faithfully

Frederick Cook

Chair CPRE Nottinghamshire

cc Mr Mark Spencer MP

Mr Ben Bradley MP