People from Cheadle say it has 'never needed action more than it does right now' after years of being promised a new train station.

Despite delays, Stockport council said they're 'shovel ready' and waiting for final approval.

It has been a long wait since plans were first announced to bring back a station to the heart of Cheadle with funding approved in 2022 and planning permission granted in 2023. The village used to have a station off the high street but this closed in 1917.

The new train station, which would be built next to the Alexandra Hospital, is expected run services into Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, and Chester. However the project has been held up by an unresolved timetabling issue over concerns the new station could impact trains elsewhere on the network.

The Rail North Partnership board, which oversees rail services in the north of England, met on April 15 to discuss this snag and how things could work. A spokesperson said: "Board members asked the rail industry and other parties involved to clarify several points and will discuss the proposal further once this information is received."

Despite the ongoing timetabling issues, Stockport council seems optimistic the project will be going ahead with a new transport policy stating 'scheme delivery will start at the station over the coming year'. Cabinet member Cllr Grace Baynham also said they were 'shovel ready to begin work' as they wait for final approval.

Charles Hughes in Cheadle (Image - LDRS)

For Natasha Childs, the new station could not come sooner. Living in Cheadle Heath, she said they currently faced a half an hour walk to a station.

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The mum told the LDRS: "To get a train is a just a little bit more of a schlep than you would like but if it was in Cheadle, it would be a 15 minute walk away. It was just make it so much more doable.

"I get that these things aren't just one person says yes and it happens. The buses have also got so much better over the years. We manage with what we have got but excited it's going to be much better."

Others also felt the same. Megan Buk said: "I wouldn't say it's the end of the world not having one but it would be easier to have one."

Julie Davies said: "It's about time. Cheadle needs a station because the nearest one is Gatley. This one would be ideal otherwise it's a bus and that takes ages and it will go out to Chester which will be nice for shopping."

She added: "They seem to have dragged their feet as soon as the permission was there. I just want them to get on with it."

While the Cheadle Civic Society said the new station 'will bring great benefits to the village', chair Andrew Frazer remains sceptical, adding: "Sadly, we've had similar project updates in the past that haven't come to anything so let's wait and see. Actions speak louder than words, and Cheadle has never needed action more than it does right now."

While she did not think she would use it much, Ann Parrott said: "It's been a long time coming. I think it's needed and it just seems a waste that it's been there."

Ann and Dave Parrott in Cheadle (Image - LDRS)

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Not everyone is convinced. Charles Hughes, who has lived in the area for 45 years, said: "The fact we are getting a new station in Cheadle when there's one in Gatley, I wonder whether it is needed."

Pointing to buses as well as promises to extend the Didsbury tramline, he said public transport connections were good, adding: "I wouldn't be against it but I do wonder if the money could be better spent on anything else.

"I just hop on the bus from home to Stockport then get a train into Manchester or onto Hazel Grove or Buxton. I just find the timetables that the trains run on I am quite happy with."

Others say they are against the idea. Neil Ashworth said: "That station was shut in 1917. Why was it shut in 1917 if it wasn't underutilised?

"It's a single track line going from Stockport to Chester. I will be honest with you the amount of people wanting to go from Stockport to Chester, I can't imagine that being a big demand."

He said the the money would be better spent elsewhere, adding: "I think the country is broken and we need to prioritise things and I do not think it is on the priority list.

Neil Ashworth in Cheadle (Image - LDRS)

"I am actually opposed to it on the basis there is better things to spend money on. The roads are in a terrible state. I am a cyclist and this high street is not bad but some of the roads out and about are awful."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Grace Baynham, Stockport Council's Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: "We are shovel ready to begin work on Cheadle Station. It's been a long-term ambition of the Council, Tom Morrison MP, the rail industry, Towns Fund Board, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority and we're delighted to say that it has planning permission and is fully funded.

"We are now awaiting approval of the timetable by central government, and are working hard to achieve this. The Rail North Partnership Board has discussed the progress of the new Cheadle station in a private meeting, to which a council representative attended.

"We are working on their recommendations, and we await approval in the near future. We will share more information with residents once it becomes available."

Simon Elliott, network director for rail at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: "A new rail station in Cheadle will deliver huge customer benefits and support economic growth across Greater Manchester and the wider region. People understandably want to see the station delivered as soon as possible.

"We will continue to work closely with Stockport Council who are delivering the scheme and other key partners to further develop the proposals, and we are pleased to be making progress as we find the best way forward to make the new station a reality."

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