New Campaign To Restore Rail Link

A new bid has been launched to re-establish a direct rail link between Northampton and Market Harborough – dubbed N2MH.

The British Regional Transport Association says it represents a growing group of campaigners and supporters who would like to see the old railway line reinstated – to slash journey times, cut congestion and reduce pollution.

The last passenger trains ran along the route – which became the Brampton Valley Way cycling and walking path – back in 1972.

The BRTA say re-opening the rail link between the two towns would slash the journey time between Market Harborough and Northampton to less than 18 minutes and it would take just 34 minutes to travel from Northampton to Leicester.

The group, which has released a promotional video, say the Brampton Valley Way would also be retained if new tracks were laid.

Network Rail carried out a feasibility study into restoring the link in 2020 and campaigners now want further work to be done.

Andrew Williams is leading the new campaign:

The line between Market Harborough and Northampton was closed completely in 1981, although a short section of track has since been restored by enthusiasts from Northampton and Lamport Heritage Railway to run vintage trains for visitors.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien is backing the campaign:

Neil O’Brien is backing the campaign

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of rail connectivity to communities across the East Midlands.

“We welcome collaborative engagement with stakeholders on initiatives to enhance our railway network, and remain focused on delivering sustainable transport improvements that benefit passengers and local areas.”