I'm pleased to welcome Government plans to invest £500 million in restoring previously lost rail lines and I've pledged to make the case for new rail services in Mansfield with the Transport Secretary.
I'm pleased Government has delivered on their manifesto pledge to undo many of the so-called Beeching Cuts, when thousands of miles of track were closed during the 1960s, leaving many towns and villages cut off from much-needed transport links.
Launching the fund, the Transport Secretary pledged £500 million to help local communities develop rail proposals, accelerate the delivery of schemes already underway and allow for the rapid reopening of certain stations and lines.
I'm pleased I had the opportunity today to discuss my campaign to extend the Robin Hood Line with the Transport Minister.
I've taken every opportunity to raise the importance of the Robin Hood Line with Ministers, and I'm delighted with the progress that has been made so far - we're already getting a new and improved timetable and refurbished trains!
In August, East Midlands Trains will present the full business case to Government for the extension, which will bring Warsop, Edwinstowe, Sherwood Forest and Ollerton on to the rail network and connect up our communities. This is a massive amount of progress in a short space of time, and I look forward to seeing our plans progress further.
Of course, there's still a way to go, so it was great to have the opportunity today to remind the Transport Minister about our big plans for the Robin Hood Line. As always, I'm making sure Mansfield is at the top of the agenda!
