Moves to extend the Robin Hood Line through Warsop and Edwinstowe to Ollerton were discussed in Westminster.

The rail line, which runs from Nottingham through Ashfield and Mansfield to Worksop, was debated as Ben Bradley MP held talks on improving transport links.

During his speech the Mansfield and Warsop MP raised local issues about the Robin Hood Line and the junction on Nottingham Road, Mansfield, near Sainsburys.

He urged the Government to fund local transport improvements and said extending the rail link would bring economic benefits.

Ben asked ministers to look favourably on a funding bid to improve the A60 junction in Mansfield, highlighting that traffic jams there can cause delays of more than an hour.

The MP covered several other transport issues in his speech and mentioned the importance of increasing the frequency of local bus services and improving roads and junctions across Nottinghamshire.

Michael Ellis MP, minister in the Department of Transport responded to the debate, recognising Ben’s work campaigning for improvements to the Robin Hood Line.

He confirmed that under the new franchise, the operator is required to submit a business case for extending the line within the first 12 months of the franchise. The business case will then be reviewed to decide whether the line should be extended.

The minister outlined the improvements that will come in with the new East Midlands franchise running the line, including a later evening service on weekdays and a new Sunday service alongside refurbished trains providing a more reliable service with free on-board wi-fi, USB points, at-seat power and increased luggage space.

He said that stretches of the A617, A60, A38 and the A614 that serve Mansfield are now classified as part of the major road network, which means they could be eligible for improvements funded through the national roads fund.

Ben said: “I was pleased to be able to secure a debate about transport in Nottinghamshire.

“I am always keen to stand up for Mansfield and Warsop and raise my constituents concerns with ministers.

“I asked for my constituents’ comments on local transport issues on Facebook and I was pleased to include some of them in my speech.

“Improving transport links would provide a real economic boost locally, linking up areas and ensuring that people in Mansfield can access jobs across North Nottinghamshire.

“Improving local roads and increasing train services could boost tourism locally too. With Sherwood Forest on our doorstep we need to encourage more tourists to visit Mansfield.

“Nottinghamshire needs a fair slice of transport funding and I will continue to lobby the Government over the coming months to do more to invest in local roads and the Robin Hood Line.”