THE Department for Transport is set to examine reopening the Mid Cheshire Rail Link with business leaders, following pressure from the Government’s deputy chief whip.

A working group is set to be formed by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and officials from the DfT at the request of Paul Maynard, rail minister, after lobbying from Tatton MP Esther McVey.

Ms McVey is also pushing the DfT to explore the Airport Western Link, which would provide faster connections between Northwich, Knutsford and Manchester Airport.

“Paul has been very supportive and interested in what we have to say regarding the importance of re-opening up local lines,” she said.

“He visited the area, met with the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Group and has met with me various times in London to hear about why the lines are vital.

“He has promised me that a senior official from the DfT among others will sit on the working group so they can learn first-hand why these lines are needed.”

The Conservative MP wants the freight line between Northwich and Sandbach reopened to passenger trains, along with the construction of stations in Middlewich and Gadbrook Park, to provide a link to Crewe.

Meanwhile, the Airport Western Link would shave 15 minutes and five miles off journeys between mid Cheshire and Manchester Airport.

Ms McVey has already provided the DfT and Government ministers with material about the two rail links, detaialing why the lines are needed and what benefits they will bring.

“I have met with the chief executive and chairman of the Cheshire and Warrington LEP and I know they have been pushing these lines as strategic vital roots, locally and nationally,” she added.

“This working group will be a perfect opportunity for the DfT to listen and understand how important they are.

“The area is so congested and will inevitably get worse as new homes are built.”