Paul Davies MP for Colne Valley asked the Minister for Growth in Parliament about next steps for the Penistone Line Upgrade project, after the Labour Government confirmed funding for the Penistone Line Rail Upgrade Project in the Budget last year. The Colne Valley MP also asked the Minister if he would meet him and other MPs to discuss progressing the upgrade.

The upgrade will make significant improvements to the Penistone Line, aiming to boost connectivity, economic growth, education, and healthcare. This line is a vital transport link connecting Kirklees, Barnsley, and Sheffield, which also serves several rural communities including Penistone, Brockholes, Honley, Dodworth and Silkstone Common.

The line currently faces capacity constraints and reliability issues due to its single-track sections. Paul Davies MP told the Minister for Growth that on the day the previous Conservative government announced that £235m of Network North funds would be allocated to potholes in London, three out of six Penistone Line services were cancelled during a four-hour period. This demonstrates the urgent need for improvements to ensure reliable and frequent services for residents who rely on public transport for their daily commutes.

The enhancements to this line are strategically crucial for several reasons:

1.           Connectivity: Improving the Penistone Line will significantly enhance connectivity across the region. By increasing the frequency and reliability of services, residents will have better access to essential services and opportunities.

2.           Economic Growth: Enhanced rail services will attract more businesses and tourists to the area, boosting local economies and creating job opportunities. Improved connectivity will also facilitate easier access to new markets for local businesses and efficient commutes for employees.

3.           Education: The Penistone Line serves several colleges and the University of Huddersfield, providing students with reliable transport options. Improved services will facilitate easier access to education, encouraging higher enrolment and supporting academic success.

4.           Healthcare: The line’s connectivity to hospitals, including Barnsley, Sheffield Children’s, Northern General, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, and Royal Hallamshire, is vital for ensuring prompt access to healthcare services. Reliable rail services are essential for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors, particularly in emergencies.

5.           Future-Proofing Connectivity: The route joins advanced manufacturing areas with housing estates for workers, ensuring high-quality connectivity for people working in local industries.

Paul Davies MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Colne Valley said,

“The proposed improvements to the Penistone Line will bring substantial benefits to connectivity, local economic growth, education, and healthcare.

“I strongly urge support for this project and the allocation of necessary funding and resources to make these improvements a reality.

“I urged the Minister during questions in Parliament that the proposed improvements will boost connectivity, economic growth, education, and healthcare.

“I appreciate the Minister’s commitment in tackling the issue head-on and enhancing our transport system by upgrading this line. The Minister truly recognizes the importance of effective mass transit links for our communities.”

In response to Paul Davies’ question, Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary said:

“The Department is in constant dialogue with the Department for Transport and regional Mayors on how best to support local transport infrastructure investment including the Penistone Line project with our decision to finally grasp the nettle an support a mass transit system this Government is now providing unprecedent levels of investment to the region.

“I agree with [Paul Davies MP] that connectivity is essential for communities to thrive.  This is a point that the West Yorkshire Mayor makes to me every time I speak to her.

“The case for West Yorkshire is heard loud and clear.”

Marie Tidball MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said,

“I welcome the Minister’s commitment to ‘grasping the nettle’ and ensuring our transport system is improved across Penistone and Stocksbridge by upgrading this line. The Minister really understands how crucial good mass transit links are to our communities.

“I know the difference improvements to the Penistone line will make to people commuting from our towns and villages to work, accessing city centres across South and West Yorkshire at the weekend, attending college and sixth form, and travelling across the rural parts of our constituency for vital health services.

“I recently held a constituency meeting to hear how you want this upgrade project to benefit our constituency, and I look forward to meeting with the Minister to ensure this vital project is progressed.”

ENDS