FOUR stations are to be added to the National Rail network in England and Wales, after a number of proposals were submitted to the Department for Transport.

The DfT announced a special fund of up to £20 million for ‘shovel-ready’ station projects on 24 January this year, when transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Proposed new stations must already be at an advanced stage of development and be supported by the local authority, train operating companies and Network Rail.

“The £20 million fund will contribute towards the cost of scheme construction but bidders must also have available a portion of funding towards the project themselves.”

The winners announced by the DfT yesterday (15 May) were Lea Bridge in north east London,  Ilkeston in Derbyshire, Newcourt on the Exmouth branch in Devon and Pye Corner, near Newport in south Wales.

A DfT spokesman said the Department’s contributions to each project vary, but in each case the money will be paid to Network Rail so that construction can begin.