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Cheadle Train Station — [Sir John Hayes in the Chair]
18 March 2026
Lead MP
Tom Morrison
Cheadle
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Keir Mather
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 3069
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Tom Morrison raised concerns about cheadle train station — [sir john hayes in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government needs to provide clear direction to confirm that the required timetable changes can proceed, outline a firm pathway for construction, and engage constructively with Network Rail and Northern Rail to move the project forward without further delay.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The original Cheadle train station closed in 1964, leaving the town without a passenger rail service for over half a century. The area now suffers from chronic congestion and slow bus services compared to potential train travel times. A new proposal for a Cheadle train station has been approved but remains stalled despite significant community support and planning approval in 2023. The delay is causing frustration among residents who write almost daily asking about the progress of the station.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Mid Cheshire
Congratulates Mr Morrison on securing the debate and acknowledges the detrimental effect a new station would have on Mid Cheshire. Proposes looking at either half-hourly services from Northwich or wider infrastructure improvements to address journey times for the whole line.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate and discusses the decline of public transport, highlighting the importance of providing a service even if profit is not maximised.
Lisa Smart
Lib Dem
Hazel Grove
Supports her constituency neighbour's case for Cheadle station and mentions campaigner Nathaniel Yates who advocates for accessibility at railway stations, stressing the need for an accessible new station in Cheadle.
Government Response
Keir Mather
Government Response
Acknowledges Cheadle's case for a new station, highlighting its potential benefits but also operational constraints. Explains that Network Rail assesses feasibility and capacity, while the Department for Transport evaluates cost to taxpayers. Discusses Stockport council's role in project delivery and funding through the local regeneration fund. Addresses concerns about timetable feasibility and impacts on services due to single-track sections. Commits to balancing local benefits against wider network impacts, ensuring meaningful consultation with stakeholders before any service changes.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.