PRIME Minister Keir Starmer was probed by a Barnsley MP on plans to double the number of trains using a key line during peak times.
Marie Tidball, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, has been campaigning to ensure the Penistone Line - which connects South Yorkshire to West Yorkshire - is not forgotten following promises that more cash would enable it to increase its services.
Having already already received first phase Levelling Up Fund cash, the MP - described as a ‘dedicated campaigner’ by the Prime Minister - wants phase two money to speed up the process of doubling now-hourly services which visit Barnsley Interchange, Dodworth, Silkstone and Penistone on their way to Huddersfield.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Marie highlighted that the Penistone Line is ‘the spine that connects South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, coursing through eight constituencies and serving half a million people’.
She told Parliament: “When I was growing up, my dad opened Silkstone Common station as a Dodworth councillor.
“I want my legacy to be ‘two trains an hour Tidball’ for our Penistone Line.”
She asked the Prime Minister to discuss how funding can be secured funding for the second phase.
In response to the local MP, the Prime Minister told the Commons: “We are working with Kirklees Council to prepare the business case for upgrading the line.
“Of course, this was promised many times by the Conservatives but never delivered.
“We are taking action and delivering.
“I know that the Transport Secretary will be happy to discuss the details of that with my honourable friend, who is a dedicated campaigner on this and so many other issues.”
The government has already committed £48m for phase one of the upgrade scheme, which will increase line speeds and reliability.
By doing so, it would subsequently allow phase two to secure two trains an hour along the route’s entirety.
Marie added: “The government’s landmark announcement to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail last week demonstrates that our government is serious about finally giving the north the transport links we deserve.
“The Penistone Line service currently only runs once an hour - South and West Yorkshire need better than this.
“On top of the phase one changes, I know what an incredible difference two trains an hour along the route would make to constituents living right across our communities.
“Since I was elected, ensuring the full delivery and upgrade of the Penistone Line has been one of my top priorities.
“I’ll continue working closely with fantastic community organisations such as the Penistone Line Partnership, as well as our local councils in Barnsley and Sheffield and South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, to ensure the line is upgraded fully as part of the government’s commitment to bringing transport equality to Yorkshire, for everyone living across our communities.”
