Doncaster Railway Station's capacity constraints must be addressed before a new train stop can be built in Askern, according to Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones.
Reform UK councillor Frank Jackson has called for a new station at Askern, saying it would "deliver substantial economic and social benefits" to communities in the area. A previous station at Askern was closed in the 1980s. Labour MP Ed Miliband has also backed calls to reopen a stop there.
Investment needed at main station
Mayor Jones said Doncaster Railway Station requires "considerable investment" and "additional platforms" to resolve current capacity issues.
The council secured land in Askern several years ago to the rear of the library on the western side of the line as part of a "strategic acquisition". However, a business case for a new station "highlighted a number of challenges" requiring "significant funding".
Jones said that even once capacity constraints on the East Coast Mainline were resolved, another obstacle would be persuading train operators to stop at an Askern station, particularly given that Adwick station is less than a 10-minute drive away.
Access concerns for residents without cars
Councillor Jackson pointed out that families without cars would struggle to reach Adwick station. Online navigation tools estimate a walk of nearly 90 minutes from Askern to Adwick.
Askern Town Council said the earlier station was on the former Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway line between Doncaster and Wakefield Kirkgate. The line was used mainly for goods services, transporting coal to Ferrybridge, Eggbrough and Drax power stations.