Some good news for the Hope Valley Line as the Secretary of State for Transport has given notice of his intention to approve Network Rail’s Transport & Works Act Order application to improve train capacity on the route. The project covers building the passing loop at Bamford, improving the junction at Dore, and building a new Manchester-bound platform at Dore & Totley Station.  

This is welcome news for the Sheffield – Manchester route through the Hope Valley as the work will permit a third fast passenger train per hour to run between the two cities. This gives us the opportunity to lobby for one of these three trains to make a call at Dore, plus a Hope Valley hub station, plus Chinley to provide our communities with a fast service and all stations stopping service each hour.  

Further details can be found at:  

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/network-rail-hope-valley-capacity-order  

There is no information on when work by Network Rail will start. However, there is a related statement in the decision letter: “The development must commence before the expiration of five years from the date when the Order comes into force.”  

Source: High Peak & Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership

Congratulations to Kulbir and Phil from Grindleford Station Cafe on your recent wedding.  The Friends of Grindleford Station wish you much happiness in your married life.

Thank you for supplying the beautiful wedding photograph.

On 27 November, during a brief respite in the rain, the air was filled with excited chatter as the Grindleford Rainbows decorated the station for Christmas.

From 18 December, parking charges of £2 per day will be introduced at the station and on the approach road.

Northern Trains have confirmed that the Winter Timetable for the Hope Valley Line commencing on Sunday 10 December includes an hourly service on Sundays.

This is very welcome news ahead of other timetable improvements we hope to see from May 2018.