Tom Morrison: It’s time to get Cheadle’s train station back on track

Residents in Cheadle have waited far too long for better public transport – and I know just how much local people want to see real progress on our long-promised train station.

The case for the station is crystal clear. It would transform local connectivity, make commuting more straightforward, support our high street, and offer a greener alternative to driving. It’s one of the biggest opportunities we have to improve daily life in Cheadle – and I’ve been proud to campaign for it alongside residents, councillors and community leaders.

Thanks to that local pressure, we’ve already achieved a lot. The project secured £13.9 million in government funding through the Towns Fund back in 2022. Planning permission was granted last year, and a suitable site has been identified just off Manchester Road, north of Cheadle High Street. The designs are ready, the funding is in place, and the public is on board.

But now, the project is being held up by further reviews at the Department for Transport. The issue? The government is assessing how adding a new stop along the Mid-Cheshire line might affect other services on the route – particularly freight and passenger trains heading between Chester and Manchester.

While I understand the need for careful planning, it’s not good enough to keep communities like ours waiting indefinitely. Other areas are seeing major investments in their public transport infrastructure, including Stockport town centre, which has just secured a Metrolink extension. That’s brilliant news – but Cheadle must not be left behind.

I’ve raised this directly with ministers and made it clear that the government needs to treat this as a priority. I’ve also spoken with Northern, Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester, and Stockport Council to ensure that local voices are heard and that we’re all ready to move quickly when the green light is finally given.

Cheadle’s train station isn’t just a line on a map – it’s a vital part of building a stronger, better-connected community. It will help residents get to work, school and leisure activities more easily, bring more footfall to local businesses, and make our area more attractive for investment.

This project is ready to go. It’s time the government caught up.

I’ll keep fighting to make sure that happens – and that the people of Cheadle get the station they’ve been promised.