One of the most issues raised with me most often is the dire state of transport in Rother Valley. That’s why, since I was first elected to Parliament, I have made it my mission to persuade the council to listen to what residents actually want from their local transport services. After all, a cohesive, functioning transport system means more opportunities and choice for us all.
In fact, now is the time to overhaul our transport system. The cancelling of HS2 means the South Yorkshire Mayor now has £1.4 billion to regenerate local transport and supercharge local connectivity, all using the money that would have been spent on HS2 to improve the transport we actually need. However, we must make sure we use this money properly, with a clear vision to achieve real change. We can’t continue to fritter away this once-in-a-generation funding on cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods.
Instead, I’ve got a plan which will use this funding properly to restore our railways, reinstate our busses, and repair our roads.
Restoring our Railways
Rother Valley has become a railway black site, with only two railway stations in the whole constituency. My plan will bring trains back to Rother Valley, by restoring old train lines that lie unused, and pushing for new services for trains that get us where we need to go:
- Reinstate the South Yorkshire Joint Railway – this intact but unused rail line runs from Worksop to Doncaster, through North and South Anston, Dinnington, Laughton, Maltby and Tickhill, a route straight through Rother Valley which would bring quick, cheap transport to a huge number of residents.
- Look again at Swallownest Station – this was a planned station thirty years ago that was never built, I would make sure that it was reviewed and a new station built there if demand is high enough.
- Start a direct train to London – I have already held meetings with Hull Trains about a new direct train from Sheffield to London, stopping at Kiveton Park. I look forward to continuing to push for this service to open as soon as possible.
Reinstating our busses
Our bus services have been continually eroded by the Mayor’s office, who claim there is no demand or funding. I know that the opposite is true. I will fight to end the siloing of those who don’t have access to a car, the elderly, the young, and the disabled; and bring frequent, useful bus services to every village.
- Start hourly hospital busses from every village – meaning that everyone can get to hospital quickly and easily at times of great distress.
- Reinstate the 27 Bus – allowing residents to get from Aston to Crystal Peaks so that those in Rother Valley can access shopping and the Supertram.
- Launch bus franchise system – using the new powers this Government has given the Mayor, I will continue to encourage him to create a London-style bus franchise. This means we can keep fares low, and develop more routes designed to help those who need it most.
Repairing our Roads
My plan does not stop at public transport; cars and drivers need to be able to get around quickly, safely, and comfortably too. Rotherham Council must be stopped from spending huge amounts of money on anti-car measures, and instead spend money on improving life for drivers and commuters.
- New junction on the M18 at Maltby – this will massively reduce tailbacks through Maltby and make journeys faster and safer.
- No Clean Air Zone – I will oppose any Clean Air Zones in Rotherham and Sheffield, they only serve to price out working people, and fill the Council’s coffers.
- Fill our potholes – the Council should not be spending money on cycle or bus lanes when huge potholes go un-filled. I will make sure the council sorts potholes first, before frittering money elsewhere.
- Improve access for pedestrians and cyclists – creating well light, safe, footpaths between all our villages helping people to get moving and get to where they need to go, safely.