Ilkeston residents will celebrate as good news of Ilkeston’s funding bid to build a new railway station is announced in local media channels. Plans for a 2 platform unmanned station and car park with taxi rank and planned bus stop will cost up to £6.5m with £4.5m of the cash coming from the Department of Transport.
The fund, part of a much larger pool of £37b will be invested in railway modernisation across the country.
For several decades residents, businesses and politicians have complained of poor transport infrastructure, a dwindling high street and an unfair advantage of being the largest English town lacking a rail link.
It is hoped a new station can relieve congestion on the main roads and encourage residents from out of town to visit Ilkeston. It would also provide opportunites for job seekers to quickly travel to and from neighbouring towns or cities.
A government press release can be found here.