Plans for new train station in Greater Manchester village still on despite funding fears

Plans to open a new train station in Cheadle are still on - despite recent uncertainty about funding.

A planning application for the work was approved earlier this year after Stockport was awarded £13.9 million in 2022 from the previous government's Towns Fund.

The money was set aside to be spent on creating the new railway station located north of Cheadle's High Street off Manchester Road, as well as an eco business park and improved walking and cycling routes in the area.

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But last week the plans were thrown into doubt when a Labour minister gave an uncertain answer in Parliament over whether the funding would be confirmed after a change in government.

Cheadle MP Tom Morrison said "recent talk of cuts to infrastructure" had caused local concern about the plans, adding that it was "incredibly disappointing" that the government could not give a clear answer about whether the money would be handed over.

Despite the concerns, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said that it will honour the full £2.35bn of the Towns Fund deal, including the money earmarked for Cheadle's new train station.

The work will mark the beginning of a major infrastructure upgrade in the area, joining Cheadle to the Mid Cheshire Line which connects Chester and Manchester Piccadilly via Stockport.

Grace Baynham, Stockport council's cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, told the Manchester Evening News in June that "progress is being made" on the plans and that the station is due to be completed by the end of 2025.

She added: "Cheadle hasn’t had access to passenger rail for over 100 years so to bring this back will be a boost for the area and enhance this already vibrant part of the borough."