The group pushing for the re-opening of the Ivanhoe Line is collaborating with Coalville regeneration campaigners to try and find common ground in the town.

The Campaign for the Re-opening of the Ivanhoe Line has been calling for the railway which runs through the town to carry passenger trains again as part of the Burton to Leicester link.

Now a group called Coalville At The Heart Of The Ivanhoe Line has formed to get groups together as part of the regeneration of the town - which is a key part of CRIL's case.

The group says 'Coalville is one of the fastest growing areas in the country'.

And CRIL believes it is in their interest to collaborate wherever possible with existing groups.

CRIL is currently working with TH!NK FC over the specifications of their proposed new station in the old Market Hall.

But for the moment, this just a proposal and any final decision would be taken by North West Leicestershire District Council.

But the idea of the group is to see where there is common ground that facilitates collaboration.

CRIL chairman Geoff Bushell said: "I see the restoration of a passenger service as a catalyst for the regeneration of the whole Burton to Leicester corridor, access to rail can boost business investment, attract hi-tech businesses into the area, improve job opportunities and boost tourism.

"All this in turn can be reflected in increased footfall in retail outlets and enhanced leisure and entertainment facilities.

"We will be undertaking our own research into the link between rail access and regeneration and are currently assisting Leicester University with an undergraduate project concerning this issue. It is a complex subject.

Coalville At The Heart Of The Ivanhoe Line's Facebook page describes the group's aims.

It reads: "This is a group for anyone interested in discussing and finding ways of regenerating the Coalville community.

"Whether this can be achieved by creating social hubs, improving transport infrastructure, boosting retail or revamping visitor attractions are all things that can be discussed on this site.

"There are various campaigns running alongside each other that could usefully use this group to showcase their ideas and where possible to collaborate.

"Coalville is one of the fastest growing areas in the country and deserves the infrastructure and facilities to match."