Tram link could be built between Nottingham and Ilkeston by 2018

A TRAM could go through the new "super-village" at Stanton Ironworks by 2018, linking Ilkeston with Nottingham.

A parliamentary group wants to see a new line run from Lenton through Wollaton, near Trowell, and then into the village proposed for the former works site.

The all-party Parliamentary Group for Light Rail, which includes MPs and industry experts, said the tram should stop at several places in Ilkeston, including South-East Derbyshire College.

The line would feature ultra-modern tram-trains – but developer St Gobain must first secure planning permission.

St Gobain, which has its UK headquarters at Stanton, is expected to table its 4,000-home scheme next year.

The proposed tram link would also rely on the completion of line two of Nottingham's own scheme, connecting the city centre to Chilwell, as it would branch from this route.

Nottingham City Council fears Nottinghamshire County Council may stall development of this line by withdrawing its £28m funding.

Councillor Stephen Barber, who represents Beeston Rylands on Broxtowe Borough Council and sits on the parliamentary group, said the line would speed up journeys between Ilkeston and Nottingham.

He said: "As it comes out of Wollaton, it would join the existing railway where it would zoom at about 50mph before branching off at Trowell, over the River Erewash and down to Stanton.

"St Gobain had it in their original plans that there would be a light rail connection on the former ironworks site.

"The tram-train would be similar to those used in Europe. They run on electricity when in towns, so there's less pollution, and then when they get into the countryside they switch to diesel engines."

Mr Barber said a station could be one of the first things built on the Stanton site, so workers could be carried to and from the development by tram-train.

He said that it was not possible to suggest a cost for the project.

He said it was not known exactly where the route could run once it entered Ilkeston but that there would be several stops, including one at South-East Derbyshire College.

The college's principal, Philip Fone, said: "The tram would be a wonderful thing.

"It's exactly what the area needs to facilitate access to the jobs market in Nottingham."

Nottingham Express Transit, which is developing and running the city's tram system, said it was not ruling out any extensions to its routes.