RAIL line volunteers in Penistone have welcomed changes to train services as ‘something to shout about.’
Campaigners say years of work are paying off. And they predict improvements on the Huddersfield to Sheffield line will open up lots of opportunities for communities.
Members of the Penistone Line Partnership say they are thrilled that Northern are now running additional services.
One big change is that most of the trains will once again stop at Elsecar.
“It is great news for the people of Elsecar that they will get most of the Penistone line trains stopping after years of being left out,” said Rowena Chantler, community rail officer for the Partnership.
“It means we can really promote and work in partnership with Elsecar Heritage Centre, Elsecar Heritage Railway and Friends of Elsecar Park.”
For those having a night out in Huddersfield, there is now a later train leaving the town, with the last service being at 22.51 Monday to Saturday.
“This means a trip to the theatre by train is a much more viable option,” said Rowena. “It also is helpful to those outlying villages for which there is no bus service.”
But for the Partnership, perhaps the best news of all is that for the first time there is now an hourly Sunday service on the Penistone line.
The volunteers worked hard in partnership with South Yorkshire PTE and Northern Rail to get extra trains on a Sunday a few years back.
“Passengers can also look forward to the replacement of the ageing Pacer trains with more modern refurbished rolling stock and looking further afield the benefit of connecting to more journey opportunities across the north.”
This year, the Partnership celebrates 25 years of working with communities along the Penistone line.
“The increase of services will be welcomed by passengers along the line and is likely to attract more leisure travellers, with the ability to access Elsecar attractions and later services in the evening,” said Rowena.
“We have been engaging with members of the community for 25 years, and are always looking for different ways to promote the Penistone line.
“These extra services are something extra for us to shout about and will give us the chance to engage with more communities.”
The Penistone Line Partnership is a voluntary organisation which supports and promotes community involvement along the Huddersfield to Sheffield railway line.
This includes stations at Stocksmoor, Denby Dale, Penistone, Silkstone Common, Dodworth and Barnsley Interchange.
