THE Chester to Manchester railway line, which links Northwich and Knutsford, is making its own journey of discovery as it begins rejuvenation.

Nine partners have come together to form the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, which has appointed a rail officer to develop and promote the 44-mile line for residents and businesses.

The move is a major boost to the Guardian's Stop The Rot campaign, as one of the main targets of the operation is improved facilities, as well as increased popularity and more passengers.

It should mean that sites like Northwich Station, which is run down and regularly vandalised, are finally made into something to be proud of.

The partnership is made up of The Countryside Agency, Vale Royal Borough Council, Cheshire County Council, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, Manchester Airport, First North Western, Macclesfield Borough Council, Chester City Council and The Council for the Protection of Rural England.

Councillor Malcolm Gaskill, Vale Royal Borough Council's lead member for environment and transportation, said: "The partnership offers an opportunity to revitalise the mid Cheshire line from Chester to Manchester via Northwich and Knutsford.

"We are confident that this is the start of a continuing process of improvement to the rail network across Cheshire."

The Countryside Agency has contributed nearly £20,000 to the partnership in its first year.

Cathy Hopley, agency transport officer, said: "This is the first community rail partnership that we have funded in Cheshire and our first new partnership for four years - so it is a landmark for us.

"We hope that, working closely with local groups and communities, the partnership will guide the future development of the line so that it brings real benefit to locals and visitors alike."

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk