Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced the electrification of the Hope Valley Line.

This comes on top of the £145m capacity upgrade which is already underway and which is expected will double the capacity line. High Peak MP Robert Largan has warmly welcomed the development, which will cut journey times between Manchester and Sheffield by nearly a fifth and enable an increase in fast trains from two to three per hour.

This will also see a huge improvement in reliability and allow for more freight trains, helping to reduce reliance on HGVs. Mr Largan has praised the efforts of a large number of local residents, who have supported his campaign to upgrade and electrify the line.

Mr Largan said: “This is brilliant news for passengers in New Mills, Chinley, Edale, Hope and Bamford and it’s also great for the whole High Peak, Manchester, Sheffield and the wider region. 

“It really shows what we can achieve when we work together. This electrification announcement will help provide a better, more reliable service for residents of the entire region, not just the High Peak. 

“I will always rally for more improvements to High Peak’s transport infrastructure and will continue to work with the Government and Derbyshire County Council to get even more funding and improvements to our public transport.

“I’ll continue to push for more money from Government, including for step free access at Chinley station and for a new station for Gamesley, which is sorely needed.”