CAMPAIGNERS pushing for passenger rail services to return to Middlewich have been given another boost.

Cheshire East Council has said it will work with the aim of reopening the Northwich to Sandbach passenger rail line as part of its local transport strategy.

In a draft of the strategy revealed at a scrutiny committee meeting last week, CEC said: "Improving rail connectivity between our principal towns and key service centres is a key priority.

"The railway line through Middlewich is currently used solely for freight and the council has an ambition to link Middlewich to the passenger rail system."

CEC plans to achieve this by working with partners, such as train operators and Network Rail, and setting specifications for future rail franchise holders.

The local transport plan, which features 61 actions to improve transport across the borough, is the third strategic document to have the need for passenger trains in Middlewich written into it – following CEC's local plan and the Cheshire and Warrington local enterprise partnership's strategic economic plan.

Middlewich's future train station is also expected to be proposed in CEC's Brooks Lane masterplan, which is due later this year.

Stephen Dent, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Rail Link (MCRL) campaign, told the Guardian progress is being made by working with key decision makers rather than 'waving placards'.

"This is something that we have been planning for years and they [CEC] had it in their thoughts for years," he said.

"In the first 25 years of our campaign we were just pushing Network Rail for it, but getting nowhere.

"Now we are working with decision makers and that seems to have paid off. We have got our MPs on side and they have pushed it at a national level."

Cllr Mike Parsons, CEC member for Middlewich, added: "The case for bringing the railway back to Middlewich is now exactly where it needs to be.

"With its inclusion now in all three major plan documents it is no longer a pipe dream.

"I cannot overstate the wealth of gratitude that is due to all the members of MCRL for their dedication and hard work."

The local transport plan is expected to go to consultation in April, before a draft summary report is produced in the summer.