A new single-platform train station in Cheadle might be years away from opening after 'scandalous' delays, an MP has said.

The project was given planning permission by Stockport council last year and was expected to move ahead in 2025, joining the Mid-Cheshire line to Manchester Piccadilly.

A £13.9m funding package was approved for the project in 2022 as part of the previous government's Towns Fund scheme.

But progress has been held up by the timetable and how it could impact other services in the network.

Cheadle MP Tom Morrison said: "The people of Cheadle have been waiting desperately for this station and they are running out of patience.

"We were promised it would be here in 2025. Now we're looking at 2028/29 at the earliest – and frankly, residents are losing faith it will ever be built at all. This is scandalous.

"We have a fully-funded, shovel-ready project that's ready to deliver real growth for our community – 23,000 people connected to jobs, education and opportunities across Greater Manchester.

"Yet it's gathering dust because the Department for Transport (DfT) keeps finding excuses."

Tom Morrison, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle (Image - UK Parliament)

The Lib Dem politician has written to the DfT and rail minister Lord Peter Hendy calling 'to unlock the Cheadle railway station project without further delay.'

Mr Morrison's letter continued: 'This is not a project that needs further study or additional funding. It is fully funded. Planning is secured. It is ready to go.

'The government has acknowledged its positive revenue forecasts and benefits for jobs, education, healthcare, and economic growth.

'Yet the Department for Transport continues to cite operational complexities as reasons for delay rather than challenges to be solved.'

The DfT was approached for comment.

A site for the new station is based north of Cheadle High Street, off Manchester Road, with one platform for trains heading both directions.

Cllr Grace Baynam, Stockport council's cabinet member for transport, said: "With funding and planning approval secured for Cheadle's new railway station, we're constantly championing Cheadle's case with government and rail partners to make this long-awaited station a reality.

"We know how much this station means to people and have been working with Northern and partners to unlock the timetable changes needed to kickstart this work and get spades in the ground.

"It will transform connectivity, increase footfall to the area, improve access to jobs and offer a cleaner way to travel.

"Not only this, but the station is expected to benefit ten times more passengers compared to those affected by timetable changes and generate half a million pounds in revenue, which in turn will support local businesses and the wider economy."

An aerial view of what the new Cheadle railway station could look like (Image - Pell Frischmann)

Transport for Greater Manchester said it understands the concerns about delays and is committed to the new station.

A spokesperson said: "Cheadle's new station will bring major benefits, improving connectivity and supporting wider growth ambitions across the area.

"We recognise the community's concerns about the timetable not yet being approved. People understandably want to see the station delivered as soon as possible. The next step is for the rail industry to resolve these delays and agree the timetable so construction can begin.

"We are working closely with Stockport council, Northern and Network Rail to accelerate this process and remain fully committed to delivering the new station."

A Northern spokesperson said: "We continue to work with all relevant stakeholders, including Stockport council, Transport for Greater Manchester and Network Rail on proposals for the new station at Cheadle, including a review of the wider timetable implications along the line."