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by Kirsty Green, Derby Evening Telegraph local government reporter

In 1878, people living in Mickleover used to have a direct link straight into Derby’s centre. Now, nearly 130 years later, plans are being developed which could see that link resurrected.

In the 19th century, it was trains that transported people from Mickleover to Friar Gate. They travelled along the railway line from Station Road, across wasteland which is now dissected by the A38 and parallel to Slack Lane, alongside Uttoxeter Old Road and on to Friar Gate. Beyond Mickleover the line went on to Burton or Stafford.

Now Derby City Council is looking to make buses the vehicle for resurrecting the line. In the most ambitious plan as part of the council’s proposals for improving public transport in the city should it get £200m of Government cash, the authority is looking at making a dedicated, bus-only expressway along the route of the old line, known as the Mick-Mack line.

The history of the Mickleover and Mackworth line dates back to 1878. In 1878 the line was opened. It linked the city centre through to Egginton Junction and then beyond to Burton on Trent or to Stafford and Stoke on Trent.

It used to arrive at Mickleover station. Some residents had around a quarter-of-a-mile to walk to get to the station. The passenger service towards Egginton was one of the first casualties to train services in the area.

In 1939 commercial services ceased to run but the line remained open for freight. In 1968 it was closed to normal traffic.

The line was still used by the British Rail Research department until 1971, testing things such as signal bosses and other controls.

The busway has been on transport plans before for Derby City Council but has never come to fruition mainly due to one large hurdle – the A38.

When the A38 was built, the line was broken and now a major construction is needed to reconnect the two halves of the line.

• Do you have memories of the Mick-Mack line before it finally closed in 1968? Leave your comments by clicking on the Disscussion link at the top of then page.

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County:  Derbyshire

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