THE Mid Cheshire Rail Link campaign group has launched its long-awaited business case in a bid to re-open passenger services through Middlewich.

The 40-page document features a social and economic case for re-opening the line between Northwich and Sandbach, as well as a financial summary and a short history of the campaign.

As well as bringing passenger services back to Middlewich, whose station closed in January 1960, the campaign has expanded its focus to bringing a station to Gadbrook Park, which currently employs almost 5,000 people.

The campaign group are also seeking a Northwich station refurbishment and a full dual line to replace the current single-track sections, along which freight and diverted services currently run.

The document will now be distributed to various decision-makers within the industry, including MPs, the Local Enterprise Partnership, the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Transport for the North and the Northern Powerhouse Minister.

Stephen Dent, campaign chairman, said: “We now have a document that makes it more or less a no brainer. The job has got to be done, it’s just how it’s going to be taken forward.

“When you consider it’s all been put together by ordinary residents it’s not too bad! There was some professional input, but all given voluntarily.

“I am just pleased that we have got it all together. The real hard work starts now in convincing decision-makers that it’s something that is needed and quickly.

“Middlewich is grinding to a halt and it can’t continue.”

Mr Dent also highlighted the support from town and borough councils across the region, including Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester borough councils, as well as Middlewich, Knutsford and Northwich town councils.

The campaign has been alive in Middlewich since the closure of the station 56 years ago, with huge changes in that time meaning the town has continued to expand.

Middlewich is currently the subject of a major transport consultation, focusing on improving public transport – along with infrastructure – to alleviate worsening congestion problems.

Furthermore, Cheshire East Council has put aside land for a new station in the revised local plan.

The document’s release comes just days after rail minister Paul Maynard announced a £20 million pot for opening new and previously-closed stations.

Any bid would require local authority or train operating company backing, with a deadline of November 18.