Ivanhoe passenger line could reopen within four years

Campaigners hope a passenger line through central England could be open again as early as 2026.

Backers of the 31 mile Leicester to Burton Ivanhoe line believe there is enough of a case to get Government backing to reopen the track to paying passengers.

The line has been freight only since the Dr Beeching cuts of the 1960s. It is one of several around the UK that the Government is looking at bringing back into service.

The route has eight potential stations – in Drakelow & Stapenhill, Castle Gresley (near Swadlincote), Moira, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Coalville, Ellistown, Meynell’s Gorse and Leicester South. However, the current business case only includes four.

East Midlands Chamber is supporting the Campaign for Reopening the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL), suggesting there could be significant benefits for businesses along the route.

The campaign has already had government funding for a feasibility study and in June the Department for Transport announced in June the scheme was among nine – chosen from 39 – that could move on to the next stage as part of the Restoring Your Ra