Cllr Sean Sheahan, Leader of the Labour Group on North West Leicestershire District Council, is tabling a motion to the authority's Annual General Meeting, calling on the them to 'throw its full weight behind the Ivanhoe Line'.

The motion is prompted by the recent success of the Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) in winning Government recognition for its efforts to commission a feasibility study to restore passenger rail services between Leicester and Burton.

Cllr Sheahan said: "CRIL have made some major advances with the Ivanhoe Line and the motion aims to make sure the District Council is in the right position to support them when the project really takes off.

"Also, with the economy suffering a severe dent due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the prospect of a new local rail link across the District would offer a much needed boost to growth."

The Ivanhoe Line was at one time the centrepiece of the economic regeneration strategy for North West Leicestershire.

According to Cllr Sheahan, changes in the local political landscape gradually robbed the project of its impetus, but he added: "Grassroots support for the Ivanhoe Line never went away and is currently enjoying a revival.

"But if the Ivanhoe Line is to have any chance, now's the time for the project's supporters and local politicians to be speaking with one voice."

The motion is supported by the whole Labour Group on the District Council, including Labour Councillors from Measham, Ashby and Coalville, who have long held the view that all of our communities stand to benefit significantly from reopening the line to passengers.

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