Beeching cuts to be reversed through new funding

More than fifty years ago, Dr Richard Beeching made recommendations to the national rail network that involved the closure of approximately 2,300 train stations and the closure of nearly 5,000 miles of train tracks across the country.

In recent times, however, the repercussions of these ‘Beeching cuts’ have left the country with a failing rail network, wrought with delays, isolated towns and regions, and even lost work as a consequence.

In response, the Government has now created measures to reverse the changes which Beeching imposed, with these measures including the creation of a new fund valued at approximately £500M to reopen and revitalise the closed stations and tracks, with a further New Stations Fund having likewise been created in an attempt to build two entirely new routes and train stations.

The Secretary for Transport, Grant Shapps stated: “Many communities still live with the scars that came from the closure of their local railway more than five decades ago. Today sees work begin to undo the damage of the Beeching cuts by restoring local railways and stations to their former glory.

“Investing in transport links is essential to levelling up access to opportunities across the country, ensuring our regions are better connected, local economies flourish and more than half a century of isolation is undone.”

The Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris added: “This is an exciting moment as we look to revitalise our railways, reconnect communities and reinvigorate our country.

“Local MPs, councillors and community leaders are the greatest champions of their local lines, and we want to work closely together to ensure the projects with the greatest potential have the support they need.

“There will also be opportunities for towns who have lost stations to receive a boost, as we launch another round of our New Stations Fund.”

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