The campaign to reopen Midge Hall station and the route from Preston to Liverpool without having to travel via Wigan has been raised with the Prime Minister in parliament.

South Ribble MP, Katherine Fletcher addressed the Prime Minister on January 10 during Prime Minister’s Questions where he said her idea “sounds fantastic”.

Midge Hall station in Leyland has been closed for over 60 years, the reopening would mean passengers would be able to get off at this station, as trains still stop here.

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As well as this, the campaign would allow a direct service between Preston and Merseyside, taking out the buffers at Ormskirk.

The project is one of Katherine’s key priorities, being part of Network North, a scheme to improve connectivity across the north of the country which was brought in after the extension of HS2 was scrapped.

At the House of Commons, Katherine said: “Prioritising connecting towns in the North of England is a big part of Network North. So, you’ll be pleased I’ve got a suggestion. 

“Direct trains between Preston and Liverpool don’t exist because you have to get off because there are buffers at Ormskirk.

“Now science and technology in new multimodal battery trains are going to allow that to be an accessible possibility and then get Midge Hall station reopened in Leyland.

“Does my right honourable friend agree with me that’s a great idea and we should crack on with it?”

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The new technology includes multi-mode 3rd rail/battery trains which could do the whole distance and can be used on the line, offering a more sustainable option.

In reply, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak said: “Network north will significantly improve connectivity across the north, including £3 billion to connect all the major towns and cities of the north and £12 billion to improve connectivity between Manchester and Liverpool.

“My honourable friend is a fantastic champion for the region and I know that both she and, I think, the honourable member for Southport discussed Midge Hall Station recently with the transport secretary.

“I know he’s looking at options. But we’re keen to use every penny that will be saved from our decision on HS2 to reinvest it back in the north and local communities, and her idea sounds fantastic.”

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Katherine has also discussed her campaign with Northern’s Regional Stakeholder Manager, Owain Roberts and Regional Community and Sustainability Manager, Simon Abbott.

She said: “Of course, there are direct trains via Wigan but for many of my constituents Midge Hall and the removal of the Ormskirk buffers would be a huge improvement in their rail journey.

“The next steps are to write to the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Northern, Network Rail and the Rail Minister suggesting the plan.

“I will also aim to hold a debate in parliament on what can be done if we all work together on this.”

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