Council welcomes government commitment to Ivanhoe Line

Published: Thu 30 November, 2023

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) welcomes a response from the government that confirms investment in the Ivanhoe Line in Coalville and commits to looking at the future of services running to Leicester.

Following a motion debated at Full Council on 14 November, NWLDC wrote to the Department for Transport and Network Rail encouraging them to explore opportunities to complete the second phase of the line from Coalville to Leicester, and to assess the feasibility of adding a station in Moira.

In response, the government has outlined its commitment to delivering the Ivanhoe Line, confirming the project is focussed on reinstating services between Coalville and Derby. Considerations about extending the service from Coalville to Leicester are also being progressed.

NWLDC fully supports the work to reopen the line and is committed to working with the Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL), Network Rail and the government to see passenger rail services returned to the district.

Councillor Michael Wyatt, NWLDC Deputy Leader, said; "I'm delighted the minister has replied so quickly to our concerns about the Coalville to Leicester link.

"Not delivering the whole line would be a missed opportunity especially when businesses are looking for greater commercial opportunities and we know the public want to travel between Coalville and Leicester."