CANBER▸ replied to this consultation and raised all the points mentioned above. We also suggested that the reopening of Etruria should be considered. This station was run down and closed despite new housing development taking place right next door to it at the time.
Its train services were suspended in May 2003 during the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line. Central Trains did not restart services to Etruria when the work was finished and continued with bustitution, although First North Western reintroduced a limited service, beyond what was contractually required. Full closure took place on 30 September 2005.
The
WCML▸ work meant that the line was realigned away from the platform leaving a large gap between platform and train. The cost of rectifying this amid the understandably plummeting passenger figures was the reason given by Former Transport Minister Derek Twigg for approving the closure (link below.)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/stations/ministerialdecisionapproving3354Here is the reply from the DfT to our consultation response :
I refer to your email dated 15 November, concerning changes to timetables on the West Coast Main Line. We are in the process of ensuring everyone receives a reply and all the comments are considered. You referred to a number of local stations on the route.
You may be interested in learning that we are indeed working with the local authorities over the future transport requirements for the area between Stoke, Stafford and Nuneaton. This includes Polesworth.
Bus replacement services have operated over this corridor for some time and we need to know what is best for the longer term.
Quite simply, the route is being used to largely the maximum extent by longer distance passenger and freight trains, leaving little opportunity for any realistic and attractive local train service. Bus Service X1 (Stafford- Stoke) has acted as quite a successful "feeder" to the railway and it is one way of "spreading the tentacles" of the railway to places beyond the network.
Anyway, the dialogue is taking place to sort out a long term solution.
Etruria is closed and will not come back; it was a very lightly used station even some time before closure was taken up. I know, I spent some time there!
Acton Bridge- the again a lightly used station and even with more stops, is unlikely generate any new business, apart from adding to the journey time for many other passengers.
Finally, I don't think any of us wish to see a return to the Beeching days; Government has given assurances about the retention of the rail network and it plays an increasingly valuable role in the country's transport system.
I hope these notes are of value in giving you reassurances.
Sorry, but I wasnt greatly encouraged by it.
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