Rory backs Cain campaign to reopen How Mill Station

Rory showed his support for the local Conservative candidate for Carlisle City Council’s Hayton ward, Harry Cain, on Saturday at a campaigning event to reopen the How Mill station near Brampton on the Newcastle – Carlisle mainline.

The station, which has been closed since 1959 (just four years prior to the ‘Beeching Axe’ scheme, the informal name given to the Government’s attempts to reduce national railway running costs in the ‘60s) is located south-west of Brampton, and locals are keen to see the station re-open as a means of accessing Carlisle more cost-effectively – the workplace for many of Brampton’s residents. Local district election candidate Harry Cain is pledging to voters that he will actively pursue its reopening – with the direct support of Rory Stewart – as a central pillar of his election campaign.

During the course of its life the historic railway station has, variously, housed a livestock auction, a coal merchant, a Post Office (in the ticket office), and was the supplier of local mail and newspapers.

Rory joined local residents for the campaign event, commenting: “How Mill station was – and has the potential to be again – a great example of a rural service that fulfilled many roles: not only was it of major importance as a rural transport hub, it doubled as a livestock mart and transportation point, and was a focal point for the village. I absolutely back Harry Cain’s campaign to re-open the station, and see this as a great opportunity for communities in helping them to overcome the challenges of fluctuating fuel costs and a rise in the cost of living rurally.“

Carlisle City Council candidate for the Hayton ward, Harry Cain said: “Rory’s visit was positive and went very well. He impressed all those who turned out to see him. We have now formally launched a petition to support the re-opening of How Mill Station, and our MP’s support is invaluable.”

Picture attached.