North West Leicestershire MP advocates for the Ivanhoe Line restoration in a meeting with the Rail Minister

Amanda Hack presented plans for the Ivanhoe Line to the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, ahead of the capital rail projects review and has launched a local transport survey.

After many conversations with transport and treasury colleagues since July, last week, Amanda Hack met with the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, as part of the comprehensive review of capital rail projects, which includes schemes that were previously part of Restoring Your Railways.

Since being elected, Amanda has worked closely with local stakeholders, such as CRIL, to make a compelling case for the line. The aim remains to secure the necessary funding, demonstrating how it could enhance connectivity, boost the local economy, and provide a sustainable transportation option as the area continues to grow.

Following the meeting, Amanda Hack said:

“Meeting with Lord Hendy to showcase the Ivanhoe Line and share some of the business case has been very insightful for us both. The comprehensive review of capital transport projects is ongoing, with decisions still to be made on which projects will be given the green light.

I will continue working with CRIL and other stakeholders to build the most robust business case, building on the work already undertaken to put North West Leicestershire at the front of the queue for future investment in rail projects. Local people need to be at the heart of this project, so I am now launching a transport survey to gather vital information and views, to assist with building the case.

Having a beautiful railway running through the heart of The National Forest will bring substantial economic benefits, alongside providing thousands of local people with better connectivity. We are well above the national average in terms of motor vehicle usage because of our poor public transport links. We must provide better transport infrastructure in the future as our area continues to grow.”

Douglas Mclay of The Campaign to Re-open the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) said:

“We were pleased to be updated by Amanda and her team following the productive meeting with Lord Hendy. Having Amanda lead the fight for the Ivanhoe Line strongly will only enhance our efforts to see the railway re-opened to passenger services once again. We would encourage everyone to participate in the transport survey to help gather valuable data that supports the case for the line’s reopening.”

The Transport survey can be completed online by visiting
amandahack.com/transport-survey/. The survey will run until Thursday 19th December to gather data and views to help aid the business case for the Ivanhoe Line; all local people and businesses are encouraged to take part and share their views.