Another Broken Promise for Rother Valley: Government Objects to Direct Train Link to London
Alexander Stafford has launched a campaign demanding the Government reverses its objection to plans for a direct train service linking Sheffield and London, via Worksop and Woodhouse, with future plans of including a stop at a Kiveton station.
Before the last election, these proposals were firmly on track, with Hull Trains committed and an application already submitted.
However, the Department for Transport (DfT) has now formally objected to the plan — jeopardising what Alexander calls a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to connect Rother Valley directly to the capital.
Alexander has criticised the silence from the area’s current Labour MP and Labour-led council, highlighting that they have neither supported the proposals nor objected to the DfT’s intervention. He argues that this lack of action reflects an unwillingness to challenge the Government’s decision, which he describes as deeply damaging for local residents.
The Government’s position stems from a broader policy opposing “open access” operators, which typically offer cheaper services that compete with Government-run rail companies. Crucially, Alexander points out, there are no plans for the Government itself to introduce a service along this route.
While the DfT has objected, the final decision rests with the independent Office of Rail and Road (ORR). Hull Trains are pressing forward with their application, and Alexander is urging the people of Rother Valley to back the campaign, sign the petition, and make their voices heard.
“This fight isn’t over,” Alexander says. “We need to show the ORR that Rother Valley deserves this vital link — and show the DfT that we will not be ignored.”
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