MIKE Amesbury has pledged to back rail campaigners in their efforts to transform rail services in mid Cheshire.

The Weaver Vale MP recently met with the Mid Cheshire Rail Link Campaign, which is fighting for the re-opening of the Northwich-Crewe rail link with new stations at Gadbrook Park and Middlewich.

He also met with the Mid Cheshire Rail Users’ Association, which is campaigning for the construction of a western rail link into Manchester Airport and accessibility improvements for Northwich station.

Following the meeting, Mr Amesbury pledged to raise the issue on a regional and national level, including with the transport authorities of the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and also seek to establish cross-party support from other Cheshire MPs.

He said: “These a hugely worthwhile campaigns that could transform how many of my constituents travel for both business and leisure.

“I’ll be taking this up in Parliament and also neighbouring transport authorities.

“I will also be looking to work with other Cheshire MPs from all sides of the House to see what can be done to drive these schemes forward.”

Gadbrook Park provides employment for more than five thousand at people at present, with this expected to double under the Cheshire West and Chester local plan.

Campaigners say a new station at Gadbrook Park would provide an alternative means of accessing the business park from Crewe, Sandbach, Middlewich, Knutsford, as well as further afield, and alleviate parking problems.

The Mid Cheshire Rail Users’ Association say the Manchester Airport Western Link would be ‘transformative’, not just for Northwich but the whole region.

Cllr Andrew Cooper, from Northwich Town Council, is part of the Mid Cheshire Rail Link Campaign.

He said: “It's fantastic to have Mike on board with the campaign. It has become obvious to everyone that this is a key piece of missing infrastructure in this area that could have huge benefits for Northwich and beyond.

“I'm looking forward to working with Mike to continue to build the campaign's momentum and see that this project is delivered.”