The last time you could catch a train to Haxby was in 1930.
But soon we will be able to do so again, after the Chancellor agreed to fund the scheme to open a new railway station there.
York Outer MP Julian Sturdy received confirmation today (Wednesday) from Rishi Sunak that the Treasury will provide the money for Haxby Station.
Mr. Sturdy has been campaigning for the scheme since he was first elected in 2010.
He lobbied ministers in support of City of York Council’s bid to the Government’s New Stations Fund, which was submitted in June.
The Chancellor announced that the bid has been successful in the Commons this afternoon.
Haxby’s first station
Located on the York to Scarborough Line, Haxby Station was opened on 5 July 1845 by the York and North Midland Railway.
The Y&NMR became part of the North Eastern Railway in 1854 which in turn became part of the London and North Eastern Railway in 1923.
It closed on 22 September 1930.
Source: Wikipedia
Levelling up
Julian Sturdy said: “This is a very good day for everyone in the north of my constituency, but especially the businesses and residents of Haxby and Wigginton who will soon be connected to the rail network for the first time in 90 years.”
Mr Sturdy told Mr Sunak that many were worried that northern infrastructure schemes would be scaled back because of the impact of Covid.
“In his Spending Review today, the Chancellor confirmed that this is not the case and the Government remains committed to its levelling up agenda to provide the local economy with a much needed recovery boost.
“For York this has already delivered funding to dual the outer ring road, to unlock York Central and now for a new station in Haxby.”
Mr Sturdy said he would press for the “swift delivery of these projects and direct the government’s attention to other local priorities, including the dualling the A64 to the east of York and working with other local MPs to secure funding to reopen the York to Beverley line”.
Excellent news
Cllr Ed Pearson, Haxby and Wigginton Councillor, said: “This is excellent news not only for the residents of Haxby and Wigginton but the wider community in York.
“We have campaigned for the delivery of Haxby station for years, and after developing a robust and compelling business case and securing the backing of residents and local businesses, it’s terrific to see this hugely important local project take a crucial next step.
“The new station would provide direct access to the rail network for thousands of local residents from Haxby, Wigginton, and surrounding communities, improving access to new employment and leisure opportunities.
“We will now work to progress the delivery of the project through detailed design and consultation, ensuring the station plans have sufficient mitigation measures in place to manage localised traffic and parking to address the concerns raised by residents living close to the proposed site.
“Haxby station has overwhelming support from local residents, businesses as other stakeholders, including Network Rail and the train operating companies, we are excited to take a step forward towards bringing this project to life.”