THE Mid Cheshire Rail Link Campaign is hoping to take the next step this year after a busy and productive 2017.

The group, made up of largely Middlewich-based volunteers, has drummed up increased interest over the past 12 months through a widely-distributed business case and a growing social media profile.

Despite efforts to secure funding or a partnership to reopen and operate the Sandbach to Northwich line – along with new stations at Middlewich and Gadbrook Park – the group is yet to receive concrete backing.

Middlewich remains the largest Cheshire town not to have a rail station, since the previous station’s closure in 1960. The line is still in place, running freight services and occasional diverted passenger trains.

Campaign secretary and Middlewich Town Council member Samantha Moss said: “It’s been a real busy year.

“The campaign has gone from a little campaign about Middlewich for to a campaign for all of Cheshire.

“It’s done wonders and now we need to raise the profile and make people aware. We need to get to the right people and the people that matter.

“We have contacted all of these other local authorities and groups and beyond, and we are straight back to more meetings in January.

“It’s all about going out and meeting people and revisiting people at Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council. We won’t stop until the train leaves the station.”

This year saw the project expanded from a Middlewich station to include a Gadbrook Park station – a popular move given the chronic parking and traffic issues experienced by workers.

The campaign business plan – put together by residents – has been taken to councils, businesses and MPs alike, gaining support along the way.

Cllr Moss added: “There is always something happening with this campaign. All these people are residents, doing a great job, and now we need the big boys to come on board.

“We are getting the word out there and gaining more support, and in turn they are letting people know that they support us.

“I would like to see some form of commitment this year. People are saying the right things but nothing is on paper.”