The return of passenger trains to Ashby moved a step closer this week following a meeting in Westminster involving the Campaign to Re-open The Ivanhoe Line (CRIL).

Representatives of CRIL met with the Government and Network Rail to discuss the next stage of plans to re-open the line between Burton and Leicester - which includes Ashby, Moira and Coalville.

The meeting was supported by the route's local MPs - including North West Leicestershire's Andrew Bridgen who tweeted: "It was great to meet with the Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line and Network Rail.

"Very encouraged by Network Rail's words: 'The Ivanhoe line brings the most benefits to the most people of any rail line re-opening project that we are looking at'.

The line closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts - but if all goes to plans, passenger trains may return just over 60 years later.

CRIL's Douglas McLay told Ashby Nub News that the meeting was to discuss the finer points of the feasibility study into the scheme - and that plans are on course to start work in less than two years' time.

As reported in July, work on the line could begin in less than two years' time.

Mr McLay said: "Bruce Wakley and I went down to Westminster on Wednesday to meet with the Government and Network Rail, as well as local MPs and the Tier 1 councils.

Ashby's former railway station is now home to a number of offices. Photo: Ashby Nub News

"The meeting was both very positive and productive.

"The purpose of the meeting was for us all to be briefed by the Department for Transport, and Network Rail, about the Design to Build stage of our Programme.

"This is the final stage of the feasibility study work before the Decision to Build is made.

"There were no surprises in what we were told, confirming the information that we have previously shared.

"The Government confirmed that they are using a fast track decision-making process with a view to Network Rail starting work in mid-2024.

"This, of course, depends on the scheme passing through the intermediate checkpoints.

"Our MPs expressed their support, and CRIL updated the meeting about our proposed governance arrangements with local councils which the Government, MPs and Network Rail endorsed.

"We will tell you more about these shortly when they are adopted.

"I was very impressed with the governance arrangements put in place by the DfT and Network Rail to involve the local community through the councils and ourselves in CRIL.

"All in all a very useful and positive session. The work goes on!"