We, the undersigned, call on the Department for Transport, the relevant train companies and the relevant local authorities to establish, at the earliest opportunity, a direct train connection for passengers between Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station, which serves residents in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across North Staffordshire, and Manchester Airport.
This petition highlights the growing concern felt by residents and businesses about the poor connectivity between North Staffordshire and Manchester Airport – the closest airport to our part of the world.
As things stand, local people - and those travelling for work and business - must travel to our closest airport on a train to Manchester Piccadilly that goes right past the airport (located in South Manchester) and then change at Piccadilly.
I’ve heard from many local people about the hassle they face having to rely on a connection through Manchester Piccadilly to get to the airport. It risks a delayed journey, it’s inconvenient for bigger families with lots of luggage to carry or older people and our disabled neighbours who have mobility issues.
Too many people are then forced to rely on a taxi which is often more expensive and is at the mercy of the M6, the A500 and the A34.
A direct connection between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Airport is good for inward investment in our area, it’s good for jobs for local people and it helps put our part of the world firmly on the transport map.
It will also help ensure that Keele University and all the excellent businesses based at Keele Business Park are able to remain competitive with their rivals in other parts of our United Kingdom.
We therefore call on the Department for Transport, the relevant train companies and the relevant local authorities to establish, at the earliest opportunity, a direct train line connection for passengers between Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station and Manchester Airport.
