The Rail Minister has welcomes the setting up of Amanda Hack MP's new group bringing together MPs, local authorities and other key individuals working towards reinstating the Ivanhoe Line.

Amanda Hack MP has set up a new Steering Group, with the goal of reinstating the Ivanhoe Line passenger rail service between Burton and Leicester.

The Rail Minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, the Minister of State for Rail within the Department for Transport, has welcomed the establishment of the group, saying that a coordinated partnership would help ensure future discussion with Government are supported by robust evidence and has strong backing.

As well as Amanda Hack, the Steering Group is backed by MP for South Derbyshire Samantha Niblett and MP for Burton and Uttoxeter Jacob Collier.

According to Hack, 'Reinstating passenger rail services would be a game-changer for North West Leicestershire, The National Forest and the wider region.

'Better rail connections would give residents easier access to jobs, education and opportunities, while boosting local businesses, tourism and investment in our communities.

'Crucially, it would reconnect two of the largest towns in the country without a rail service today, Coalville and Swadlincote.

'I'm delighted that the Rail Minster has welcomed the creation of our Steering Group. By uniting local authorities, regional partners, industry, we are building the strongest possible case for reopening this vital railway and ensuring our communities' voices are heard at every level of government.'

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