Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Dronfield Station:150th Anniversary

29 June 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Lee Rowley Con North East Derbyshire

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Lee Rowley raised concerns about dronfield station:150th anniversary in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The MP celebrated the rejuvenation of Dronfield train station, highlighting its historical significance since 1870.
  • Community efforts led by local volunteers have revitalized passenger numbers from a few thousand to over 250,000 annually.
  • Minister Chris Heaton-Harris congratulated Lee Rowley and noted the government's 48 billion investment in rail services.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Lee Rowley Con North East Derbyshire

The MP celebrated the rejuvenation and rebirth of Dronfield train station, highlighting its historical significance dating back to its opening in 1870. He detailed the decline and subsequent resurgence of the station since the mid-20th century, emphasising community efforts led by local volunteers that have revitalized passenger numbers from just a few thousand passengers annually to over 250,000. Lee Rowley praised the civic pride and community spirit shown in restoring regular train services, noting the establishment of Friends of Dronfield Station (FODS) and their contributions to station maintenance and promotion. The MP expressed hope for further improvements, including increased rail links and frequencies, and acknowledged the support from previous MP Natascha Engel.

Other contributors (1)
  • Chris Heaton-Harris Con Daventry

    The Minister congratulated Lee Rowley on his speech and expressed hope for a strong relationship between Dronfield station and the railway in the future.

Government Response

Chris Heaton-Harris

Minister Chris Heaton-Harris congratulated Lee Rowley on his support of Friends of Dronfield Station. He highlighted the government's £48 billion investment over five years to improve rail services and mentioned the Restoring your Railway fund, which includes a successful bid from North East Derbyshire to reopen axed local services. The Minister also discussed ongoing work in the Hope Valley capacity scheme and the midland main line upgrade, emphasising improved journey times and increased seat availability. He assured Lee Rowley that direct calls at Dronfield for the existing East Midlands rail service remain safe. Finally, Chris Heaton-Harris praised the station's success and its bright future with continued support from the community.

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