A KNUTSFORD councillor is backing a neighbouring town’s campaign to reopen a train line that has been closed to passengers for more than half a century.

Clr Andrew Malloy believes the plans to upgrade the Northwich to Sandbach line would improve rail services in Knutsford.

The Thorneyholme Drive resident is encouraging Guardian readers to sign a petition which will be presented to Parliament by Fiona Bruce MP in the autumn.

“The benefits could be huge right across the county,” he said.

Reopening the line would cost around £2 million, and would also see Middlewich station brought back into use, which has been closed since the last day of 1959.

Clr Malloy, of Knutsford Town Council, added: “When I recently spoke about it, many thought why would Knutsford be interested in reopening a Middlewich station.

“Then I explained how returning the line to passenger status could open up opportunities for Knutsford folk to get to Crewe and beyond.

“People then quickly signed up, especially business people.

“I travel to London about once per month, and usually end up driving to Crewe.

“It would be so much easier and environmentally-friendly to walk down to Knutsford and catch a train there.

“In addition Crewe, Middlewich, and Sandbach residents could get to Knutsford much more easily.”

Harry Boardman, a member of Middlewich Rail Link Campaign, said: “There are substantial benefits to the region as a whole from opening this line.

“It would make it much easier for Knutsford residents to get to Crewe, thereby taking a load off Manchester Piccadilly, and it would provide cross-county connectivity unseen by Cheshire for more than half a century.”

Campaigners have so far collected around 1,600 signatures for the petition.

To sign the petition, or for details on how you could help with the campaign, contact Clr Malloy by e-mailing andrew@knutsford-indepdendents.org.uk or phone 07751231444.