BUSINESS NEWS
The missing link: campaign builds for direct airport rail service
Nearly 1,000 people have backed calls for a direct train between Stokeon-Trent and Manchester Airport, with business leaders and local MPs arguing that better connectivity could strengthen North Staffordshire’ s appeal to investors and international visitors.
For businesses seeking investment, attracting talent or building relationships overseas, connectivity matters.
That is the argument behind a growing campaign for a direct rail service between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Airport- a link supporters believe would deliver benefits for the economy as well as making journeys easier for local residents.
In September, petitions organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee and Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell were presented in the House of Commons after attracting a combined 973 signatures.
The campaign focuses on a longstanding frustration for passengers in North Staffordshire. Travellers heading to Manchester Airport by train must currently change at Crewe or continue to Manchester Piccadilly before doubling back towards the airport, adding time, cost and inconvenience to the journey.
Supporters argue that the issue extends well beyond holiday travel. A direct service, they say, could make North Staffordshire more accessible to potential investors, overseas businesses and visitors while helping local companies reach international customers and markets.
Adam Jogee said:“ North Staffordshire, and Newcastle-under-Lyme, has a brilliant offer for investors and global businesses. But that offer is only as strong as the ability to get here. Global companies and investors considering whether to engage with our universities and our local businesses will see accessibility as the most basic requirement. A direct rail link to Manchester Airport will make our offer to the world even more competitive.”
The campaign was launched earlier this year, with Staffordshire businesses urged to add their support.
When setting out the case for the service, Adam said the existing journey was more
DECLAN RIDDELL
than simply an inconvenience.
“ The status quo – changing at Manchester Piccadilly – adds unnecessary time, and cost, to every journey. And that is more than just an inconvenience.
“ North Staffordshire has a genuinely compelling offer for investors and global businesses. Keele University hosts worldleading research, cutting-edge facilities, and major commercial partnerships. But that offer is only as strong as the ability to get here.
“ A global company considering whether to engage with our universities and businesses, invest locally, or hold conferences and events here will see accessibility as the most basic requirement. Right now, that is harder than it needs to be.
“ A direct rail link between Stoke Station and Manchester Airport would change that.”
The call has also been backed by Gareth Snell, who described the proposed connection as a potential“ game changer” for Stoke-on-Trent.
He said:“ A direct rail connection between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Airport would be a game changer. It would strengthen our appeal to investors, make it easier for businesses to connect with customers and markets around the world, and send a clear message that Stokeon-Trent is open for business and ready to grow.
“ Better connectivity would help drive investment, support local jobs and further demonstrates that Stoke-on-Trent is a fantastic place to live, work and do business.
“ The benefits would also be felt by local families. Whether it is parents travelling with young children and suitcases, older
GARETH SNELL AND ADAM JOGEE
passengers, disabled travellers or people heading off on a well-earned holiday, a direct train service would make journeys simpler, quicker and far less stressful. This is a practical change that would improve everyday life for residents while helping to unlock new economic opportunities for our city.”
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has called for a direct service between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Airport for many years.
Declan Riddell, the Chamber’ s Policy Adviser, said the route could support inbound travel as well as helping people from Staffordshire reach the airport.
“ A direct rail service between Stoke-on- Trent and Manchester Airport would be a real game changer for our region, making it easier for both business and leisure travellers to get to and from the UK’ s third busiest airport.
“ It will also open up our region to visitors from abroad, on business and visiting the area’ s many leisure attractions.
“ Congestion on roads and the high cost of airport parking can make rail travel a viable and stress-free alternative, with a journey time of around one hour.”
With almost 1,000 people adding their names to the petitions and the case now raised in Parliament, the campaign has demonstrated the strength of local support for change.
For its backers, the proposed service represents more than a more convenient journey to the departure lounge. It is about ensuring North Staffordshire has the transport connections needed to compete for investment, welcome visitors and connect its businesses with opportunities around the world.
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