ST HELENS Council says work has begun to put together a business case to fulfil the long-running ambition to create a new railway station at Carr Mill.
The idea has been mooted for more than 20 years - but plans have never materialised.
However, they resurfaced again with Carr Mill identified last year by the regional metro mayor Steve Rotheram as part of his manifesto pledge to deliver 'Merseyrail for All'.
Last autumn it was reported the city region is to receive £710m to fund transport in the area, including new stations and destinations on the Merseyrail network, as well as green bus routes and more walking and cycling infrastructure.
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Clr Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council's cabinet member for environment and transport, said work has begun on a Strategic Outline Business Case for a new station at the location.
Cllr Bowden said: “A railway station at Carr Mill has been an aspiration of the council for many years, with strong support shown by the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor and its inclusion within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Long-Term Rail Strategy.
“Work has started on a Strategic Outline Business Case, building on previous studies which indicate a strong argument for a new station in this location. A new station which would also contribute to the climate emergency action plan by providing an alternative to car journeys.
He added: “The business case is the first stage in the Department for Transport’s investment appraisal process, setting out how the investment will help support a strong, thriving, inclusive and well-connected local economy.
“Setting out a strong case would be the next big step on the journey towards potentially securing a new station at Carr Mill.”
Mayor Rotheram said his Merseyrail for All scheme is a commitment to ensuring that every community is well served by an integrated public transport network with new and refurbished train stations high on the agenda.
Last November, a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority spokesperson said: “The £710m funding Mayor Steve Rotheram has secured from government will help us to improve transport infrastructure across the Liverpool City Region.
“The proposal for a new station at Carr Mill is still at an early stage but was identified by the Metro Mayor’s as part of his manifesto pledge to deliver 'Merseyrail for All', an ambitious long-term plan to extend the local rail network into communities right across our city region and beyond.”
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