With this section of line now in-use MCR plans are to re-open the remaining section of the mothballed line west to where it connects with the West Coast Main Line at Stoke, and upgrade it for use by heavy freight trains.
In 2014 the CVR launched an appeal to buy the physical trackwork between Leek Brook & Ipstones off MCR (but not the land),[REF] in order to protect its running rights until any full renovation begins.