Rotherham-Sheffield Tram-Train link delayed again

It has today been reported that the Rotherham-Sheffield tram train link, which was meant to begin service in early 2017, will not now be in operation until at least summer 2018. Sarah Champion MP, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, to express disappointment at the reports and to urge the Government to do everything that it can to ensure the project is delivered without further delay.

Reacting to reports, Sarah said:

It is outrageous that a relatively modest infrastructure project that would greatly benefit South Yorkshire has been delayed again.

The scheme unlikely to be operational until at least summer 2018, over six years since it was first announced.

Sarah continued:

Time and time again, the people of South Yorkshire have been let down by the Government when it comes to investment in our transport infrastructure. From uncertainty surrounding the electrification of the Midland Mainline, to news that the Governments preferred route for HS2 no longer includes a proper stop in South Yorkshire, investment in our region is lagging behind the rest of the country.

South Yorkshire has huge potential as a centre of technology, innovation and industry. But without Government investment in infrastructure, that potential risks going unfulfilled. The Government talks of a Northern Powerhouse, but investment in the North is dwarfed by that in the South.

It's time for them to put their money where their mouth is and deliver the transport improvements we need.

For a copy of Sarah's letter to Chris Grayling, please click here.

For the full press release, please click here.