Parkway Station could open next December

Plans for the site near junction 24 of the M1, close to the power station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, were first drawn up almost 10 years ago.

Since then there have been a series of delays and a public inquiry.

The East Midlands Parkway station is due to open next December. It is hoped it will lead to reduced congestion in the region's city centres.

The wait is going to be over very soon Ben Herbert, Network Rail

Ben Herbert from Network Rail said: "It is a really exciting prospect for rail passengers in the region.

"There have been a number of issues with access to the land and planning but the really important thing is that work is starting today...and the wait is going to be over very soon."

The station will have 850 car parking spaces for passengers.

"Some of our station car parks are bursting at the seams, so it will be a lot easier for motorists to access the rail network.

"They'll be able to come off the M1, drive to the station, which is five minutes away and hop on the train to London."

A shuttle bus will operate from the station to East Midlands Airport.