I’m incredibly proud that our hometown of Newton Aycliffe, where we manufacture high-tech modern trains today, played such a fundamental role in the very beginning of the railway age. From those early days to the present, we’ve been at the heart of rail innovation and heritage.
Heighington Station, formerly known as Aycliffe Lane Station, is the world’s oldest surviving railway station and a vital part of our national story, but for too long it was left to decay. However, thanks to a united community effort, this piece of living history has been saved and secured for future generations.
The Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, along with many dedicated volunteers, raised over £100,000 through donations, grants and tireless community fundraising. Support from the Railway Heritage Trust, the Headley Trust and countless local residents was crucial in helping them get towards their £500,000 target. A significant financial contribution from Hitachi Rail was then enough to get them over the line.
Thanks to this collective effort, the Friends group can now purchase the station and move ahead with full restoration. The goal is to complete the project in time for the bicentenary celebrations. I’ll be continuing to support the Friends group going forward – I know they have some fantastic ideas about the future of the building and what it can look like in the future.
I’ve been proud to support Niall Hammond as Chair of the Friends group in Parliament and have worked with ministers to encourage businesses like Hitachi to support the cause. It was a privilege to unveil a plaque to commemorate this exciting milestone at Heighington station with Lord Wilson of Sedgefield, one of our former MPs, who has been a key supporter of this campaign in Parliament.
I was also glad to help bring the campaign together with Hitachi Rail. Their financial support was instrumental. But this is more than a financial gesture as it sent a powerful message that today’s rail industry values and honours its roots in communities like ours.
A huge thanks to everyone who has campaigned, donated, volunteered and supported this effort. As part of the 200th celebrations, there are a number of fantastic events later in the year, great to see many people involved. Find out more at: www.sdr200.co.uk
Last week, I also visited Chilton Power Station to see the excellent work they’re doing to provide renewable energy for 23,000 homes in our region. The plant diverts waste wood from landfill and uses it to power a steam turbine, generating clean electricity. It was great to see the site in action and learn more about this important part of our local energy infrastructure. I look forward to working closely with the team there in future.
Following the visit, I held an MP advice surgery in Chilton, where I spoke to local residents about a wide range of issues and concerns. My next surgery is on Thursday 31st July. If you’d like to book an appointment, please email me at: alan.strickland.mp@parliament.uk