Railway proposal would face 'challenges' - mayor

The East Midlands Mayor has said "significant challenges" would need to be understood before proposals to reinstate the Peaks and Dales rail line between Buxton and Matlock could be deemed viable

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said a majority of councillors at Derbyshire County Council voted in favour of a motion to support and advocate plans for the reinstatement of the line.

It was opened in the 1860s but closed in 1968. Parts of the line have since become popular walking and cycling routes.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward added it was one of "several ideas" which may be considered as long-term transport plans develop.

In April, Peaks and Dales Line, an organisation which supports reintroducing the line, said it had submitted a feasibility study for the proposed reinstatement of the railway line to the Department for Transport for review.

In response in April, the department said it welcomed private proposals to reopen closed railway lines and added it was committed to working with developers to expand the rail network.

"Our experts will review the Peaks and Dales Line feasibility study to help the developers make the most of their plans, but this is a private project, and they will be seeking funding from local authorities and the private sector," a spokesperson said.

The LDRS said Reform councillor Melandra Smith proposed the motion for the authority to support the reinstatement of the railway line, which she said would benefit the economy.

"This is not about restoring an old railway for sentimental reasons. It's about modern transport, economic resilience and giving isolated rural communities inside the National Park better options for the future," Smith said.

Alex Dale, Conservative group leader at the Reform-run council, told the councillors during the meeting the views of residents and users of the Monsal Trail needed to be considered.

"I cannot support this motion without significantly better understanding of how it would impact on existing leisure assets," he said.

The Labour Mayor said the proposal was "interesting" and added she would continue to engage with campaigns.

"However, significant challenges would need to be understood before it could be considered viable," she added.

"There have been multiple concerns raised by different groups around the cost, capacity, and impact on the Monsal Trail.

"I'm currently working on our first Regional Transport Strategy and Local Transport Plan, which will mean we can weigh proposals like this against other investments.

"For now, our focus remains on delivering existing priorities for connectivity and economic growth, including changes to the rail hub.

"The Peaks and Dales line is not currently part of this programme, but it is one of several ideas that may be considered as our long-term transport plans develop."

Additional Reporting by Dan Hunt

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