THE long-awaited re-opening of a railway station in Haxby has moved a step closer, a York MP claims following a meeting with Rail Minister Claire Perry.

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said the Minister had recognised the need for the station and said Haxby was amongst the top four stations in the region which were in the running to be reopened.

Ms Perry said the MP had made a 'very strong and passionate case for the re-opening,' and she would continue to work with him, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Network Rail and train companies to 'move this important issue forward.'

Mr Sturdy said the station had been closed for more than 80 years but numerous plans to regenerate it had been proposed since the 1980s, as the town grew in size and congestion increased on York’s northern ring road.

“The economic case for reopening Haxby station is compelling," he claimed.

"A new station would provide direct access to the rail network for thousands of local residents from Haxby and Wigginton and surrounding communities.

"It would also help take cars off the road, reduce congestion, particularly on the northern ring road, as we strive to provide a more joined up transport service for local residents."

Neil Ferris, assistant director of transport at City of York Council, said it had been its vision to build a new railway station in Haxby for many years and in January it had welcomed a new study identifying York as one of four potential rail station sites in West and North Yorkshire to be taken forward for further investigation.

“We continue to promote Haxby station as a rail priority for York and look forward to working with partners to investigate how we can progress a business case which we hope will place York in the best position to be selected for any future funding," he said.