HOPES are growing that a key rail link could be earmarked for electrification, paving the way for direct trains from London to Middlesbrough.

Electrifying the Middlesbrough to Northallerton line could also secure the future of direct rail services from Manchester to the Teesside town.

The Government's electrification taskforce will meet tomorrow, to discuss the next routes across the North of England to be upgraded.

Redcar MP Ian Swales, a member of the cross-party group, is optimistic that the Middlesbrough to Northallerton link will be listed as one of the highest priority schemes when the group publishes its report later this year.

He said: "The various electrification projects are being raked by various methods and put into categories.

"I'm confident that the Northallerton to Middlesbrough is going to be given a very high priority."

Mr Swales added: "I have seen the draft report and this is a battle that is being won."

Commuters currently wanting to travel to Middlesbrough have to change on to a diesel train at Northallerton or Darlington.

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Work has already started on the electrification of the TransPennine route between York and Manchester.

It is feared that once this work is completed, the direct service from Manchester to Middlesbrough could be at risk with electric trains unable to travel beyond Northallerton or Darlington.

Mr Swales added: "It's vitally important that we get this direct link. Middlesbrough is the largest town in the country without a direct rail link to London."

The push for investment in electrification is part of a wider campaign by civic and economic leaders to improve the region's rail network.

Yesterday, Stephen Catchpole, managing director of Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU), led a delegation from the area presenting evidence on the economic benefits of further investment in the East Coast Main Line to the All-party Parliamentary Rail Group.

The delegation sees investment at Darlington's Bank Top station as key to freeing up better east-west connectivity, as well as improving reliability and speeds for trains travelling from north to south.

Mr Catchpole said: “Fast and direct rail connectivity to other parts of the country, along with modern rolling stock, are vital to the Tees Valley’s prosperity.

“It is imperative that TVU highlights the economic case for rail improvements to decision-makers and influencers who have the ability to help shape Tees Valley’s future transport infrastructure.”

Elsewhere, Darlington Council leader Bill Dixon today (January 20) represented the Tees Valley at the leaders committee for the Rail North group which is preparing the specification for the Northern and TransPennine franchises.

Cllr Dixon said it was agreed that a North-East business unit would be formed to help run the franchises in this region, rather that the services being overseen on Manchester.

The Northern Echo has launched the Right Lines campaign to push for investment in the region's rail network.