Moorland & City Railways - extension to Leek

A quick question or two about MCR running to Leek:

Who currently owns the trackbed to Leek if not MCR, and if not, is it known if the current owner is happy to see the railway reinstated?

Has a site been located/reserved for a prospective Leek station?

Are the locals and the town council keen on the idea?

Any idea when it might happen?

I really want the MCR project to go well and to get some track down as soon as possible! We can worry about minor things like getting paths into Stoke, rolling stock, and who runs the trains later!

 

I cannot of course speak for MCR, but I'm fairly confident that the council (who own the trackbed from north of Leekbrook Junction to Leek) would be supportive of returning trains.

Although now fairly old (pre-MCR), you may find this document interesting reading. It shows how the council have for some time been keen to redevelop a part of Leek called Cornhill, which includes a cattle market which is a little worse for wear. This is a strip of land adjacent to the trackbed located just before the rail route has been developed on, and where the CVR had aspirations for a terminus station. In the document the council recognises these plans and the benefits that heritage operations bring.

I hope the document is of interest. Before others comment, I realise that "post-MCR" the position has changed, however I think the document at least partly answers your questions in terms of the council's long term attitude towards bringing rails back to Leek.

 

Thanks for that, very interesting. I hope the main sewer going under the line somewhere between Leekbrook Junction and Leek isn't a problem.

 

1. The council, and they have stated they are in support of the proposed re-openings.

2. Discussions are underway, have heard mention of something near Morrisons / Cattle Market but nothing has been confirmed. Just have to wait for an official announcement.

3. See 1.

4. The recent prospectus states the aim is for 3yrs from completion of negotiations.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Leek & Manifold rebuilding next then! If only......

Foxy

 

Now that the Welsh Highland is all but complete, and the Lynton and Barnstaple has got off to a good start then why not!

 

One step at a time folks. Lets get the Leekbrook Jn-Stoke line finished first. That in itself is a heck of a job, believe me.

 

It would be helpful if everyone avoided saying just "the council". In areas of three-tier local government please make it clear if you are referring to the County Council, the District Council or the Town / Parish Council.

 

Blimey! Good job I specified "town council" in my original post or I'd be in biiiiig ter-ubble

 

I have read (here somewhere!) that the MCR planning application for housing has been resubmitted. Does anyone have the planning application reference please?

 

SMD/2015/0083 re-submitted 28th April 2015

 

Thanks for that