On 15th June 2009, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), published the Connecting Communities report that proposed opportunities for future rail connections across the UK. The report identified a number of railway lines and stations that could be opened, giving nearly one million people better access to the UK Rail Network.
The proposed lines were:
- Cranleigh (Surrey)
- Bordon, Hythe and Ringwood in Hampshire
- Brixham in Devon
- Aldridge and Brownhills (West Midlands)
- Wisbech (Cambridgeshire).
- Leicester to Burton (Derbyshire)
- Fleetwood, Rawtenstall and Skelmersdale in Lancashire
- Washington (Tyne and Wear)
- Ashington & Blyth (Northumberland)
In addition, the following railway stations were proposed for reopening:
- Rushden (Northamptonshire)
- Peterlee (County Durham)
- Kenilworth (Warwickshire)
- Ilkeston (Derbyshire)
- Clay Cross (Derbyshire)
- Ossett (W Yorkshire)
- Wantage (Oxfordshire)