Refurb not rebuild for town station as Government says 'no more money available'

Plans scaled back after historic mining work wrangle

- Sentinel Reporter

COUNCIL chiefs have revealed that a railway station is to be refurbished - instead of rebuilt - due to a lack of funds.

Kidgrove's Town Deal from the Government included £3.69 million to make the town's station to 'fit for purpose for 21st century commuter expectations'. But now the plans are set to be scaled back because there is no money to pay for anticipated ground remediation on the site, relating to historic mining work - which could cost another £2 million. Kidgrove Town Deal Board had hoped extra funds would be available but it has now become clear no more money will be forthcoming, and the Government has told the board that spending £680,000 of Town Deal cash on ground investigation work would not be a good use of public funds.

Newcastle Borough Council leader Simon Tagg, right, who is also vice-chair of the board, told a cabinet meeting plans to refurbish the station building were now being drawn up.