Local campaigner and Prospective MP for Erewash Maggie Throup has called on Labour-run Derbyshire County Council to stop playing politics with Ilkeston’s new train station after the authority announced further delays to the project.

Speaking about the news that construction may not begin on the new station until Spring 2015, Maggie said:

“By now Ilkeston should have been welcoming its first passengers onto the platforms of its new station, but delays dreamt up by the County Council in Matlock now mean that our town will continue to hold the dubious title of the ‘largest town without a train station’ for some time to come.

“We have seen time after time how this County Council is willing to uses taxpayer’s money to play political games with projects that effect people’s lives and it must stop now.

“Like many other local residents in the area, I want to see Ilkeston Train Station open as soon as possible so people and businesses in the town can start to reap the benefits that it will undoubtedly bring.   

“I want to reassure everyone that I am working hard together with our local MP Jessica Lee, who has campaigned tirelessly for a new station for Ilkeston, to get the project back on track and will be raising the issue with the Secretary of State for Transport personally. I will also be seeking to hold Derbyshire County Council to account for their gross mismanagement of this vital infrastructure project.”