Jack Brereton highlighted the urgent need to reopen the Stoke-Leek line due to road congestion and a lack of public transport options. He noted that 40% of households in some wards have no car access, limiting job opportunities. Bus services had declined by about a third over the past decade. Improved rail connections would significantly reduce journey times from 55 minutes to around 18 minutes between Fenton Manor and Leek, and potentially halve public transport journeys across his constituency. He emphasized the need to reopen the Stoke-Leek line for deprived communities in central Stoke-on-Trent, suggesting an interchange with existing bus routes and a new station at Bucknall Park. He noted the potential halving of travel time from Leek to Etruria, improved accessibility for educational institutions, and reduced urban splintering.

He highlighted the importance of reopening the Stoke-Leek line for connectivity, tourism opportunities, education access, and economic development in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands. He mentioned potential benefits like linking to Alton Towers theme park, unlocking brownfield land, supporting housing targets, improving public transport, and enhancing digital T-levels at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College. I support the idea of a good bid for the Stoke-Leek line and ensuring economic viability in the long term. Competition is important, but it should not lead to community division.

There is strong local support for reopening the Stoke-Leek rail line, which could help reduce carbon emissions and provide economic benefits including new jobs and better access to labour markets. The government's decision not to fund it under the Restoring Your Railway fund is frustrating.