- Labour lobbying pays off after enquiry by Labour MP Andrew Gwynne reveals Network Rail have £1m fund to cover water maintenance, brick repair and de-vegetation work for Stockport Viaduct.
Stockport Labour have been leading the calls to restore Stockport’s historic Viaduct to its former glory. After Labour’s latest petition Network Rail have set aside a £1 million fund towards the upkeep of Stockport Viaduct.
The money will cover essential water maintenance, brick repair and de-vegetation work. It is hoped the money will be enough to complete the work, although the council is still awaiting further details on when and how the money will be spent
Under Labour, Stockport is undertaking an ambitious £1bn town centre regeneration programme and the restoration of the Viaduct is a key part in showcasing our town as a vibrant place fit for the 21st Century.
The Viaduct also plays an essential role in the future of Stockport Railway Station and its recently unveiled Station Masterplan: a 12-year vision to transform the station and make it fit for the future.
Meetings with Network Rail and other key groups on the Station Masterplan are due to be held at some point this year and it is hoped the condition of the Viaduct will be discussed.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“I am delighted that Network Rail have put this money aside for the Viaduct. We don’t know if the total amount will cover all the work that needs doing but even so, it is great news.
“Stockport Viaduct is the icon of our town and known right across the country: it is our heritage.
“Yet the Viaduct also plays a key role in our town’s future and if we are going to attract people into our town centre to live, work and enjoy themselves after this pandemic, the Viaduct needs to be in top condition.
“I want to place on record my thanks to Andrew Gwynne for being behind our campaign from the very start and also to the Rail Minister for answering his questions.”
Andrew Gwynne Labour MP for Denton and Reddish, commented:
“Stockport Viaduct is iconic for the town. It is also a critical piece of national infrastructure linking Greater Manchester with the West Coast Mainline.
“Stockport Labour is right to demand Network Rail keeps the structure in a good condition and I am pleased that our joint lobbying of Ministers has secured £1m funding for some vital work to the viaduct.”
Cllr Matt Wynne, Labour Councillor for Edgeley and Cheadle Health, added:
“It’s welcoming to see investment lined up there on public record. Let’s hope it does the trick. I don’t underestimate the complexity and scale of work needed to sort the ‘guts’ of the Viaduct out as it were.
“However, it needs to start looking nicer on the eye fairly quickly given the knock-on effect its current condition is having on the amenity of the local area. Hopefully cosmetic work can begin as soon as practically possible.”
People can still sign the petition calling on Network Rail to clean up Stockport Viaduct by visiting cutt.ly/skviaduct
ENDS.