Firstly, I want to thank all the stakeholders who have worked on this campaign to date.
Improving transport links in Delyn is vital to the stability and growth of our local economy. I am committed to supporting the campaign to build a new train station at the former Holywell Junction Site.
The project so far
The Flintshire County Council Cabinet first approved The Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy in February 2020. This strategy focussed on improving local access to services by sustainable modes of transport within the Deeside locality.
During the same period Holywell Town Council outlined their aspirations to re-open the former Holywell Junction Station in Greenfield.
Flintshire Council subsequently expanded their strategy to include the whole county due to pressure from Holywell Town Council.
To date;
- I have participated in location site visits with Holywell Town Council.
- I have attended virtual meetings with Welsh Government and other key local and national stakeholders.
- I have asked for resident’s views on the proposal in my 2021 Transport Survey.
- I have spoken to local businesses to understand the impact this would have on them.
In 2019/20 the UK Government gave £50k to Flintshire County Council (via the Welsh administration) to commission a Transport Feasibility Study – The North Flintshire Transport Study. This study was undertaken by Mott MacDonald and the results were published in October 2021.
Latest update
On Friday 28th January I was successful in securing an Adjournment debate in the House of Commons. I raised the issue of a new station at Holywell & Greenfield directly with the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport, Rt Hon. Robert Courts during the debate.
I asked him to commit to a site visit here in Delyn and to commit to funding the next stage of the process; developing a strategic business case. If you are interested you can watch the video of the debate including Mr Courts response here.
I subsequently met with Rt Hon. Wendy Morton, on Monday 31st and we discussed the proposal at length. Minister Morton was well informed about the project to date. She committed to visiting the site. She also outlined several funding streams that I can access to make this station a reality.
Next steps
I have now asked for meetings with several stakeholders to progress this project further. I have asked to meet with:
- Network Rail
- Transport for Wales
- Welsh Government
I will also request a meeting with the County Council to discuss progress on their Integrated Transport Strategy, and the possibility of including Greenfield Station in their Levelling Up Fund – Transport bid.
Rail infrastructure in Wales is not a devolved power. It remains the responsibility of the UK Government. I am committed to working with all stakeholders, including the Welsh Government, to deliver this station which will benefit so many in our community.
If you would like to commit your support to this campaign go to www.rjroberts.co.uk/campaigns/holywellandgreenfieldstation and register your details. Don’t forget to spread the word; tell your local community about this campaign!
If you have any questions about this campaign, please feel free to contact me by email rob.roberts.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01352 710 232.
Thank you!