Minsters’ Rail Campaign

“There’s a lot Riding on it!”

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The Minsters' Rail Campaign exists to promote the overwhelming economic, social

and environmental case for reopening the railway line between Beverley and York

as a modern passenger and commuter facility.

A recent independent report commissioned by relevant local authorities has said the financial case for

reopening the direct rail link between Hull and York is undeniable - the Campaign aims to ensure this

report becomes reality, as well as trying to achieve a few beneficial changes to some of the proposals.

The Minsters' Rail Campaign is one of the most successful campaigning groups in Yorkshire,

supported by all county and unitary authorities affected by its proposals and backed

by a broad spectrum of members from all political parties.

The main proposals supported by the Campaign have been formally adopted as

official planning policy by the East Riding of Yorkshire County Council.

BUT THERE IS STILL MUCH TO DO

For further information contact campaign chairman: George McManus

120 Norwood

Beverley

HU17 9HL

Telephone 01482 863964

e-mail: GeorMcMan@aol.com

A giant step forward

The long-awaited survey and report into the viability of reopening a railway link between Beverley and York was published in the summer of 2005– and the verdict was YES!

Independent consultants Carl Bro produced a Demand and Outline Feasibility Study that concluded a double track line with stations at Stamford Bridge, Pocklington and Market Weighton, catering for speeds of 90 mph, was feasible. It would remove at least 1150 cars a day from the A1070 and A166 as well as delivering substantial environmental and economic benefits. Journeys between Hull to York would take under one hour.

The recommendations include largely following the trackbed and route of the original NER line, but with small deviations at Stamford Bridge, Pocklington, Market Weighton and Beverley to avoid modern housing. The current Hudson Way walkway and cycle route would be retained and the whole scheme would require an investment of £239 million, of which £56m is to cover financial contingencies.

A summary of the report is available here

The full report is available here

Where does the Minsters’ Rail Campaign go from here?

At its meeting on 27^th June officers of the Cabinet of the East Riding of York Council gave their complete backing to the Carl Bro proposals to resurrect the railway between Beverley and York. However, no decision in principle to protect the proposed route of the line from any new developments has yet been taken.

In one respect the MRC’s reason for existence is now over – its original aim to get an independent survey commissioned into the viability of rebuilding a railway link between Beverley and York has been achieved. The positive conclusion of the report has been now been warmly accepted by local and county councils, although the route has not yet been protected against development. Moreover, in the current climate of restraint in new rail investment, it is important to build on existing widespread public support to ensure the proposals are not forgotten.

Carl Bro consultants recognised the quality of the contribution made by MRC to their report

and said the Campaign: “must be involved for the future of the project.”

We don’t intend to disappoint them.