Burton-on-Trent to Leicester
We’re working with our partners at The Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) to amplify this campaign.
Alongside our partners at CRIL, we’re calling for the creation of quick, convenient train links connecting Burton-on-Trent to Leicester.
rail Network capacity and resilience
Reconnecting communities, enhancing accessibility and inclusion
Reducing road congestion and pollution, improving our environment
promoting quality of life and health
Reconnect Communities: Reopen the Ivanhoe Line
This reopening scheme offers huge opportunities for work, leisure, and exploration.
The Ivanhoe Line already exists in use by freight – we want to see the return of passenger services.
BRTA is supporting and amplifying The Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) – a non-political group of local residents fighting to restore this vital rail link.
The Ivanhoe Line: A Legacy of Connection
Before 1964, the Ivanhoe Line provided a direct passenger link between Burton and Leicester. Closed during the Beeching cuts, this vital artery now carries only slow-speed freight. But the region has grown exponentially, and the need for passenger rail is more urgent than ever.
CRIL’s Vision: A Modern Mass Transit System
CRIL is taking action – lobbying for track upgrades to enable modern, efficient passenger trains, running every half-hour during peak times.
The group encourages imagining hopping on board for a stress-free commute or a weekend adventure in the National Forest.
Proposed Stations: Drakelow, Gresley, Moira, Ashby, Coalville, Bagworth & Ellistown, Meynell’s Gorse, and Leicester South (near the King Power Stadium).
CRIL are also committed to integrating with local bus services and park & ride facilities.
BRTA says:
The rail link should have a direct curve for running ‘local commutes’ into Leicester.
This route would become a “freight bypass” of Leicester to Derby, clearing paths into and through Leicester for other trains.
The Story So Far:
Since forming in 2019, CRIL has made respectable progress:
- Formed a dedicated committee
- Examined existing track and services
- Engaged with local councils and politicians
- Held numerous public engagement events
- Secured nearly £50,000 in funding for a comprehensive feasibility study!
Local councils recognize the immense value of this project, and the team are now seeking consultants to bring the vision to life.
Why Reopen the Ivanhoe Line?
Faster, Easier Travel: Skip the traffic and enjoy quick, convenient access to key destinations.
Eco-Friendly: Rail travel is significantly more energy-efficient than cars, reducing our carbon footprint.
Reduced Congestion: Take cars off the road and ease traffic woes for everyone.
Boost to Local Economy: Connecting communities opens up opportunities for businesses and residents.
Enhanced Tourism: Make the National Forest and other attractions more accessible.
HOW TO ADD YOUR VOICE
Write in support of reopening to your local councillors and MP:
members.parliament.uk/members/commons
or www.writetothem.com
It’s powerful to write to your MP or councillor in your own words, telling your representative about your own beliefs and experiences and how they relate to this area. See below.
Join BRTA as a member to support these and other reopening campaigns
Volunteer with BRTA if you share our vision and want to help bring it about.
Could you help push this campaign forward?
Donate to BRTA to help us advocate for a rail link fit for the 21st century!
Think about the following questions when composing your letter to MPs / councillors:
- What journeys do you make? Work? Leisure? Appointments / visits?
How could this link improve the journeys you make? - Do you actively choose road over rail or bus? Why?
- Do you consider where you live to be well served by public transport?
- Do you have experience of new areas of housing and public transport?
- What are your experiences of the road journeys you make in the region?
- Have you made employment, school or relocation decisions based on journey times or access to public transport? Or on the lack of access to public transport?
- What are your thoughts on the environmental impact of your journeys?
- Do you have accessibility needs that affect journey decisions you make?
- What do you think about air pollution in your area?
- What are the most important transport related issues to you? Why? Journey times? Road congestion reduction? Pollution reduction? Accessibility? Taking freight off the roads in your area? A better connected region?
- What should be done next to make this happen?
Our tips: - Even if your MP is not in this region, your letter provides them with an opportunity to learn about the issue and take action themselves.
- Aim for your letter to be no longer than one and a half sides of A4.
- Engage. Get your representative’s attention with a dramatic fact or short statement.
- State the problem. Present the causes of the problem you just introduced. How widespread or serious is the problem?
- Inform them about the solutions that reopening would bring.
- Call to Action. Let them know what you want them to do about it.
- Ask for a response.