Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has stated the Ilkeston railway station project is in line to commence by benefiting from the £20 million funding pool set aside for new stations. Jessica Lee, MP for Erewash, welcomed the “hugely significant news”:
“This will mean young people can get to Nottingham in 15 minutes – which will help with jobs and training – and it will bring jobs and visitors to the town”
For years local residents and businesses have pressed for transport infrastructure together with Councillors and MPs. Economic and social benefits will be brought about as a result of a new rail link and the prospects for employment will increase as residents travel to and from Ilkeston.
Erewash is one of the worst recessionnn-affected boroughs in the Midlands with Cotmanhay one of the most economically deprived areas in the country.
The new station is to be built at Station Road – the former site of the previous station. The final cost is thought to run to £6.5 million with Derbyshire County Council having pledged £754, 000 towards the budget.
Staffing and maintenance plans are to be set out to form the long term strategy of running the station.