The fate of the historic Ivanhoe railway line hangs in the balance, as a local councillor declares the restoration plans 'dead'. The campaign to bring back passenger services on this route, which has been running for decades, gained its first-ever parliamentary debate last month. Labour MP Amanda Hack highlighted the line's potential to connect communities and industry, but according to Leicestershire County Council's cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Waste, the project is unlikely to get the support it needs from the current Labour government in Westminster. Councillor Adam Tilbury, of Reform UK, shares this sentiment, stating that the government's massive debt means there's no appetite for such projects. The Ivanhoe line, which once connected Leicester with towns like Swadlincote and Burton-on-Trent, was closed to passengers in the 1960s due to the Dr Beeching cuts. The Campaign for the Re-opening of the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) group had submitted plans to the previous Conservative government, but Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves ended their hopes in 2024 by cancelling the programme, saving the treasury £85 million. CRIL's vision included linking Coalville to Derby in phase one, with further connections to Leicester and London to follow. However, Cllr Tilbury points out the absurdity of the current situation, where commuters in these areas have no passenger routes. He argues that improving public transport could benefit the local economy, allowing people without cars to access high-paying jobs and bring money back into the area. Ms. Hack also emphasizes the environmental benefits of the line, suggesting it could reduce carbon emissions and encourage sustainable travel. She believes the line could be branded as the 'National Forest Line', providing a greener alternative for visitors to local attractions like Conkers. Despite her efforts to hold the department accountable, Cllr Tilbury feels powerless in the face of the current situation, as the county council continues to wait for promised transport links.
