A major Ashby business has backed the return of a passenger railway line through thtough the town - and says it can help to get it re-opened more quickly.

Siemens Mobility UK, which is based in Coalfield Way, welcomes the prospect of the Ivanhoe Line running between Burton on Trent and Leicester.

The company says it would like its employees to travel to work by train.

Supporters of the line - most notably the Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line - are working with Network Rail and the Government to get trains running again through North West Leicestershire.

The Ivanhoe Line project has met with favourable responses so far and there is a quiet confidence that the plans can become reality.

If things go to plan, work could start on the line in 2024 - and be open by 2026.

Managing Director for Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility UK, Rob Morris, said: "It's great news that reopening the Ivanhoe Line for passengers has moved a step closer.

"As a long term investor in Ashby – our local engineering and manufacturing facility is 50 years old this year – and world-leading rail business, we want our people to be able to get to work by train.

"Our know-how and technology could help get the line reopened more quickly and cost effectively, helping with the right solution to improve journey times and connectivity across the region, and support regeneration and a healthy environment.

"We could, for example, use our UK-built modular signalling which is already helping to reopen a similar line in Northumberland.

"And our station management systems made right here in Ashby could be rolled out to new and old station between Leicester and Burton-upon-Trent, helping transform the economy of the region and level up the UK."