ILKESTON'S £6.5 million new railway station could be open before the end of 2014 after the Government released £4.5 million towards the cost.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has approved the money from the New Station Fund, part of a £37 billion investment to modernise the country's railway network.
The two-platform station will have waiting shelters, a 150-space car park, cycle storage, bus stop, drop-off point and a taxi rank.
It will be unmanned, with automated ticket machines, waiting areas, customer information screens, passenger help points and CCTV.
Ilkeston is the largest town in the country without a railway station and local businesses and politicians are thrilled that the plan is finally going ahead.
Ian Hopkinson, managing director of Derwent Analytics, based on the Manners Industrial Estate, Ilkeston, said: "It's fabulous news for us and other manufacturers in the area. We sell our products to major supermarkets across the country, and they have often told us we have poor rail links. The new station will put us on par with everyone else."
Plans for the station were originally mooted in 2009. The town has not had one since 1967.
Ian Viles, chief executive of the Erewash Partnership Ltd, a non-profit organisation that helps encourage industrial and commercial activity in Erewash, said: "It's fantastic news and something that we've been supporting for a long time. There was a stage when people stopped believing it would ever happen.
"Businesses need access to modern transport and the investment, in an area that needs it, is likely to flow out to the rest of town. Contractors have specifically asked local businesses if and when the station will be built and it will have a bearing on their decisions to do business here."
Erewash MP Jessica Lee said: "The plans will bring massive opportunities to the people of Ilkeston. I have already received enquiries from residents who want to buy property near the station for their commute."
Ms Lee took the issue to Parliament and continuously lobbied for the project.
She said: "This is fantastic news and I would like to thank all the businesses, councillors, engineers, residents and campaigners for their support in putting Ilkeston firmly on the map."
Erewash Borough Council leader Councillor Chris Corbett added: "Wonderful news for Ilkeston and Erewash as a whole. We have waited a long time to be back on the National Rail network."
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "Funding this new station illustrates our commitment to working with community and national partners to meet local transport needs that not only deliver real benefits to passengers but also improves the network."
Three other stations, at Newcourt, Devon, Lea Bridge, Greater London and Pye Corner, Newport also received backing yesterday.
