Cheadle’s long-awaited new train station hits snag as rail bosses review effect on Manchester to Chester line

The scheme gathered pace last year when planning permission was granted for construction to begin.

A site for the new station is based north of Cheadle High Street, off Manchester Road, with a single platform for trains heading both directions.

But checks on how its opening would affect other journeys along the Mid-Cheshire line, which stretches from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly, is holding up the project, sources say.

This is because adding an extra stop to the line could impact arrival and departure timings elsewhere on the railway network.

The Mid-Cheshire line is used by Northern Rail services as well as freight trains.

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Cheadle MP Tom Morrison said the Department for Transport (DfT) needs to act to get the work moving forward.

“People in Cheadle have been waiting far too long for better transport links so delivering our new train station is absolutely essential,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“With funding secured and planning permission granted, I’m urging the Department for Transport to move things forward without further delay.

“I’ve had positive discussions with ministers and will keep the pressure on until we see real progress on the ground.”

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Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern in the North West, added: “We continue to work with all relevant stakeholders, including Stockport council, Transport for Greater Manchester and Network Rail on proposals for the new station at Cheadle, including a review of the wider timetable implications along the line.”

Bosses had hoped the new station would be ready by the end of 2025 – but the hold up means it could be much longer before trains are passing through Cheadle.

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A £13.9-million funding package was approved for the project in 2022 as part of the previous government’s Towns Fund scheme.

Last week, the government announced a £2.5bn investment in Greater Manchester, some of which will be used to fund a Metrolink extension to Stockport town centre.

Coun Grace Baynham, Stockport council’s cabinet member for transport, said the town hall remains in talks with the government to make progress on Cheadle’s new train station.

“Following last week’s announcement regarding Metrolink coming to Stockport, we’re keen to see another one of our long-term ambitions come to fruition – and that’s a station for Cheadle.

“We remain committed to ensuring this becomes a reality as soon as possible.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Any changes to the timetable must be carefully considered to ensure that potential benefits of a new station to the local community are balanced with potential risks across the wider network.

“The government is working with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, Network Rail and Northern at pace to resolve the challenges involved and will provide regular updates to the Cheadle Town Board.”