Approval has been given for proposals to be submitted to bring trains back into Leek.
 
Members of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council ruling cabinet last week authorised the submission of a planning application to re-instate the rail line from Leekbrook to Cornhill.
 
Councillors also authorised the negotiation of an agreement to lease the track-bed, owned by the council, to Churnet Valley Railway Trust to enable the construction, operation, and management of the line.
 
The district council is also contributing £22,000 from the Moorlands Partnership Board towards preparation of a full planning application, £5,000 to the cost of reinstating Leekbrook Station, which is estimated to cost £25,000 and a further £4,000 towards the cost of repairs to Cheddleton Station, estimated to also be around £25,000.
 
Speaking at the cabinet meeting, council leader, Sybil Ralphs, said, "This report seeks approval to bring forward the project. A lot of people still do not think it will happen. We have got a very good working relationship with Churnet Valley Railway as it is a success story. It brings in thousands of people to the Staffordshire Moorlands. They are now anxious to extend the line from Leekbrook to Leek. There are currently 70,000 visitors to Churnet Valley Railway each year. This figure will increase to 90,000 to 100,000 if the extension is made. It will also help town centre shops. Consultants have stated that the project would bring in £577,000 additional expenditure to the local economy and would create 13.5 full-time equivalent jobs. Following discussion with Churnet Valley Railway it has been agreed to lease the land and reinstate the track, subject to planning permission. This will then allow the railway to discuss the matter with Severn Trent Water and focus on fundraising. We are moving ahead, but it takes time. This project will happen. It is also intended to open the Leek to Stoke line."
 
Cheddleton councillor Mike Bowen, who is a member of the council's ruling cabinet, said that Churnet Valley Railway could get a link to the national system at Stoke.
 
He said, "This will give tourism a boost. A link could also be made to Alton Towers which would take some of the cars off the road. My ward is happy to see this project go ahead."
 
The Leek station closed in July 1970.
 
The railway line was also used to transport limestone from Cauldon Lowe.
 
Les Jackson.