Our area has played a key role in the creation of modern passenger rail and is proud to be home to the world’s first ever train station, Heighington Station. Preserving this historic site is vital and I am proud to have supported the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in their successful campaign to raise the funding needed to save the station buildings.
Together, we secured a major donation from Hitachi Rail, providing the volunteers with the resources they needed to rescue and restore this important piece of our heritage. A huge thank you to Hitachi Rail for recognising the value of our shared history and to the Friends group for their dedication and hard work in bringing this project to life.
This achievement was a highlight during the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, a milestone that celebrated the region’s pioneering role in modern rail travel. I was proud to support events across the North East marking this historic occasion and to lead a debate in Parliament, highlighting the significance of this landmark in the story of Britain’s industrial heritage.
Preserving sites like Heighington Station ensures that future generations can connect with our past while inspiring pride in the innovation and achievements of our community.