Coalville MP Andrew Bridgen has welcomed the news that the return of passenger trains to the town is a realistic prospect.

A Government announcement this morning (Saturday) said that the case to re-open the Burton to Leicester railway line to passengers has been approved to the next stage.

That means the return of trains to Coalville has moved 'much closer' according to CRIL - the Campaign to Re-open the Ivanhoe Line - which has long fought for the line's future.

North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen has been a supporter of the line being re-opened.

Mr Bridgen posted his reaction on social media and said: "Brilliant news today as the Government announces that the Campaign to Re-open the Ivanhoe Line has passed the next stage of making its reopening a reality.

"The Department for Transport will now work with Network Rail and CRIL to work towards a full outline business business case. It's a major step on the journey."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps first raised hopes for the re-opening of the route two years ago during a Covid briefing televised on national TV.

Ivanhoe Line through Coalville gets huge boos after Grant Shapps names scheme on TV

He issued a statement this morning and included the Ivanhoe Line in the Government's plans.

Mr Shapps said: "We've just announced a further £15million in funding for nine promising Restoring Your Railway schemes.

"Helping to re-open railway lines and stations that were lost decades ago.

"Showing our commitment to growing our historic railway network."