A TRAIN line linking Middlewich to Northwich, Manchester and Crewe could become a central part of Cheshire County Council's public transport plans.

Plans for a 'triangular link' between Manchester Airport, Crewe and Chester - part of the 'Making Train Travel More Accessible For Local People' project discussed by Cheshire County Council on Thursday - could be the ticket for the reopening of Middlewich railway station, says Cty Cllr Mark Dickson.

He said: 'This is a several point plan which includes electrifying the line between Chester and Crewe, improving London services and other improvements.

'I spoke on the issue from Middlewich's point of view to make sure we don't miss out, and the triangular Chester-Crewe-Manchester link should include our new station.'

It is now nearly 48 years since Middlewich railway station was closed to passengers. But a special task group including members of the Middlewich Rail Link Campaign, town and borough councillors and headed by Cllr Dickson has been formed to find a practical case for its reopening, and now Cllr Dickson says it's time to take the next step.

Cllr Dickson will also meet the council's environmental chief Tom McCabe to create a business plan to present to Network Rail, which last week hinted that reopening the line to passengers could be part of its next year plan.

It has said the freight platform at Northwich railway station, currently overgrown, could be used by commuters line looping down to Middlewich, Sandbach and eventually Crewe.

He added: 'Although we are passionate about the project, NR is a business and needs to have a robust business plan to approve the idea. Tom and I will sit down and discuss how to take this forward and then I will use the contacts and groups I have to deliver something concrete.

'This won't be quick and will take investment over a period of years and from a number of sources, but we are making progress.'