Electrification of Midland Mainline to go ahead after 'pause'

Electrification of the Midland Mainline will now go ahead, the Governmenthas announced just months after shelving the plans.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the overhaul of Midland Mainline and the TransPennine routes will restart following the so-called pause that was ordered in June.

• Read more: Councils' dismay over delay of Midland Mainline work

The Government was accused of deceiving the public over its intentions for the rail network when the scheme was put on hold just weeks after the general election.

Its decision to restart the work comes just days before the Conservatives head to Manchester for the party's autumn conference.

Mr McLoughlin said:

East Midlands Trains has welcomed today’s announcement by the Department for Transport that the Midland Mainline electrification scheme is to be restarted.

Jake Kelly, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains said: