Liberal Democrats Welcome Haxby Station Funding Reinstatement

York Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Government’s decision to reinstate funding for Haxby Station, calling it a long-overdue victory for local residents and campaigners after a year of dither and delay by the Labour Government. 

The reopening of Haxby Station has been a major Liberal Democrat priority for years, with Lib Dem councillors and campaigners working with local people to secure land and business case approval, only for the project to be put on hold following Labour’s win at the General Election 

Local Liberal Democrats say the Labour Government’s decision to freeze the project wasted valuable time, have increased costs and created unnecessary uncertainty, but they are pleased that local pressure has paid off and the funding is finally being released. 

Cllr Richard Watson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Haxby and Wigginton, said: 

“This is welcome news for our community but it’s frustrating that we lost a year due to Labour’s dithering. The funding was in place, the business case was ready, and local people were behind it. There was no excuse for the delay.” 

“We want to thank all of the residents who stood with us throughout this campaign, it’s thanks to their persistence, alongside Liberal Democrats, that this project is back on track.” 

Councillor Andrew Hollyer added:

“This is a project that has been driven by local people and championed by the Liberal Democrats from day one. We secured the land, pushed through the business case, and fought for the funding. We won’t let delays from Westminster stand in the way of better local transport. 

“We will continue to hold the Council to account to ensure that the project moves forward without further delay and that Haxby gets the high-quality rail service it deserves.” 

Councillor Ian Cuthbertson added: 

“This station will transform travel for Haxby and the northern villages of York and it’s only happening because our community stuck together and made our voices heard. This will mean fewer car journeys, improved access to work and leisure and better connections for the northern villages on a direct train service.”