MIDDLEWICH MP Fiona Bruce has ensured the Mid Cheshire Rail Link campaign is being heard at the highest level, asking Crewe-born rail minister Paul Maynard to look into the latest business case.

The near-40-page document, which proposes the reintroduction of passenger services between Sandbach and Northwich, including a new Gadbrook Park station and the reopening of Middlewich, was distributed across the UK rail industry earlier this month.

Mrs Bruce, speaking in Parliament, asked: “Does the minister agree that if [the northern powerhouse] is to have real effect, it is important that investment is made in connectivity not just between the cities of the north, but between the towns?

“I thank ministers for the initial investment in the Middlewich bypass, but will they also look at the business case for the reopening of the Middlewich railway station?”

Mr Maynard responded: “As someone born and bred in a town very close to Middlewich, I am well aware in my 40 years of the importance of the town’s connectivity at the heart of Cheshire.

“I know that there are good plans for Middlewich’s new station and look forward to working with my honourable friend on progressing the business case.”

Mrs Bruce later said: “I was extremely pleased with the response from the new rail minister, which was as positive as we could hope for at this early stage.

“I shall be making arrangements to meet with him to discuss the excellent and detailed business plan recently produced by the Mid Cheshire Rail Link campaign chaired by Stephen Dent of Middlewich.”