The Government has today announced a huge £48 million investment to improve the Penistone Line between Huddersfield and Sheffield, thanks to the campaigning efforts of Yorkshire MPs Mark Eastwood, Jason McCartney and Miriam Cates.
The funding has been awarded as part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda – delivering much-needed funding and investment to areas in need of economic development, and is in addition to the recently-announced Network North programme of rail investments.
The project will be the first phase of a programme of track and station upgrades, leading to significant improvements in the performance and reliability of services.
Mark Eastwood MP commented:
“I’m delighted that we’ve succeeded in securing the funding to start upgrading Penistone Line. It’s a lifeline for people in Denby Dale, Stocksmoor and Shepley, and I’ve been determined to deliver this investment that local people have been telling me is their top transport priority.”
The funding comes after a “track record” of action from the local MPs to call for this funding, including questions in Parliament to the Prime Minister, the Transport Secretary and meetings with the Rail Minister, as well as working closely with the local campaigners and community groups supporting the bid.
Jason McCartney MP (Colne Valley) said:
“With much needed improvements to the stations at Honley and Brockholes in my constituency, this multi million pound upgrade to the Penistone Line will really help to Level Up my local communities.”
Miriam Cates MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge) added:
“The Penistone Line provides a vital connection between villages in my constituency and towns like Sheffield, Barnsley and Huddersfield. But for too long this route has been slow and unreliable, putting people of train travel and damaging the local economy. These improvements to the Penistone line will be a huge boost to our area and I’m delighted that our bid has been successful.”
