Stoke-on-Trent city council has been awarded £37,500 to develop the proposal for a new station in Meir, to form a part of the line leading to Longton and Stoke stations. The proposed location is on the site of the old Meir station.
The Department for Transport through the Restoring your Railways Ideas Fund will provide the funding, ensuring Stoke-on-Trent council have the support needed to make an adequate and detailed proposal for the station.
The Ideas Fund grant is designed to help local communities develop solutions for local public transport needs. It is a key part of the Government’s levelling-up agenda, helping to regenerate local economies and improve access to jobs, homes and education.
Local MP Jack Brereton has been campaigning for a new station in Meir since being elected in 2017.
Jack Brereton said:
“It’s fantastic to see real progress being made on the bid to re-open Meir station. Meir having its own rail link to Stoke and beyond would take cars off the road cutting emissions and improving air quality, increase mobility for vulnerable people, and incentivise more investment in Meir itself.
Improving public transport in Meir is vital for the future success of the whole area, making it easier for people to access work and get about. I will of course do all I can to support Stoke-on-trent Council to succeed in reopening the station.”
Cllr Dan Jellyman said:
“Stoke-on-Trent City Council is absolutely committed to working with Jack to do all we can to re-open Meir Station. Building on our successfully £29 million investment from the Transforming Cities Fund, which will see huge upgrades to Stoke and Longton Stations, the addition of more local stations is critical to improving journey times across Stoke-on-Trent. The re-opening of Meir Station will help further revolutionise and level-up Stoke’s public transport network.”
