Rail expansion plans revealed

Date: 6/4/2010

Part of the UK's former railway network could be reopened if plans proposed by the Liberal Democrats go ahead.

A £3 billion fund has been set up by the party which it would allow councils and transport authorities to bid for funding from in order to pay for railway improvements and expansion.

The Rail Expansion Fund has drawn criticism from the RAC foundation as it would draw money currently earmarked for road development and improvement.

However the plans would allow the greatest expansion of Britain's railways "since the Victorian era", claims the party.

The proposals would see the creation of new stations as well as the re-opening of some stations which have been closed, including Ilkeston, Kidlington, Wantage, Corsham, Tavistock, Middlewich and Ashington.

Norman Baker, transport spokesman for the Liberal Democrats said: "High speed rail is hugely important, but it is only part of the 21st century rail network Britain needs. Our plans will reopen thousands of miles of track across the country and make our railway great again."

Last month Transport Secretary Lord Adonis announced plans for a new high speed rail network linking London and the north.