A CAMPAIGN to re-open the Sandbach to Northwich railway line has received a boost from Middlewich councillors and the town’s MP.

The Middlewich Rail Link group was set up 20 years ago in an attempt to upgrade the line for passengers and re-open Middlewich railway station.

If it is given the green light, trains would also call at Crewe.

Cheshire East Clr Mike Parsons, ward member for Middlewich, explained the campaign had faced significant setbacks due to the cost of the consultancy fees needed to validate the project.

But he hopes that a new petition, launched at Middlewich Town Mayor’s civic dinner and ball alongside Middlewich MP Fiona Bruce on Saturday, will secure 2,000 signatures of support for the project.

“Middlewich residents have been behind this for the entirety of the campaign,” said Clr Parsons.

“Ten years ago we did a survey within a half-mile radius of where the station would be in Middlewich and we got 800 interested people.

“We have got figures for usage which prove it would be at least as well-used as Congleton railway station.

“There is certainly more residents for it than against it.”

A report released in 2009 revealed that Middlewich is the largest town in Cheshire without a railway station and estimated a total of 670 people a day would travel to or from the town if it had a platform.

Clr Parsons said he had spoken to a number of businesses who were interested in operating in Middlewich and the wider mid Cheshire area by rail, and added the project also has the backing of Manchester City Council.

Middlewich MP Fiona Bruce said: “As a Member of Parliament for Middlewich I can present a petition to the speaker of the House of Commons on an issue of real local importance.

“Mike Parsons and I launched the petition for the Middlewich passenger rail link last Saturday to highlight this issue and to ensure that it remains high on the radar of the transport minister.

“Our aim is to obtain2,000 signatures from local people and that will really demonstrate the huge support that there is in Middlewich for this plan.

“We also want to secure funding for it and it is important that we continue to push for this.”

If you live in mid Cheshire and would like to sign the petition, call Clr Parsons on 01606 834942.