My campaign to get Midge Hall Station open is making great strides. We need a route from Preston to Liverpool without having to go via Wigan. Today I asked the Prime Minister to support my campaign and got very positive response.
The key to reopening Midge Hall where trains stop but passengers frustratingly cannot get off is to take the buffers out at Ormskirk to allow the direct service between Preston and Merseyside. New multi-mode 3rd rail/battery trains now available that can do the whole distance are now available and could be used on the line.
Katherine told the House of Commons: “Prioritising connecting towns in the North of England is a big part of Network North. So, you'll be pleased I've got a suggestion. Direct trains between Preston and Liverpool don't exist because you have to get off because there are buffers at Ormskirk.
“Now science and technology in new multimodal battery trains is going to allow that to be an accessible possibility and then get Midge Hall station reopened in Leyland
“Does my right honourable friend agree with me that’s a great idea and we should crack on with it.
In reply the PM said: “Network north will significantly improve connectivity across the north, including £3 billion to connect all the major towns and cities of the north and £12 billion to improve connectivity between Manchester and Liverpool.
“My honourable friend is a fantastic champion for the region and I know that both her and, I think, the honourable member for Southport discussed Midge Hall Station recently with the transport secretary.
“I know he's looking at options. But we're keen to use every penny that will be saved from our decision on HS2 to reinvest it back in the north and local communities, and her idea sounds fantastic.”
Katherine has also discussed Midge Hall station and direct rail services when she met up with Northern’s Regional Stakeholder Manager Owain Roberts and Regional Community and Sustainability Manager Simon Abbott recently.
“Thank you to Northern for meeting me to discuss a wide-range of issues centred on how we can improve rail services in South Ribble and beyond,” said Katherine.
“We had a useful chat on the next steps in the process of getting Midge Hall Station reopened and getting the buffers at Ormskirk removed. Of course, there are direct trains via Wigan but for many of my constituents Midge Hall and the removal of the Ormskirk buffers would be a huge improvement in their rail journey.
“Next steps are to write to the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Northern, Network Rail and the Rail Minister suggesting the plan.
“I will also aim to hold a debate in parliament on what can be done if we all work together on this.”
