Skipton-Colne

THE Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) has welcomed the publication of an economic study supporting the campaign group’s proposal to reopen 12 miles of disused railway between Skipton and Colne (closed in 1970).

Central trans-Pennine Corridor East West Connectivity was commissioned by the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership and prepared by consultants from Systra and Cushman Wakefield, to assess the economic benefits and cost-effectiveness of improving connectivity by rail and road throughout the region.

The report concludes that reinstating the line would lead to significant economic and social benefits, by enabling the extension of Airedale Line services from Leeds and Skipton through to Colne and Burnley ( RAIL 816). This would give residents in deprived areas of East Lancashire improved access to highvalue jobs in Yorkshire, while also attracting new businesses to the region, boosting the local economy by as much as £43.5 million a year.

SELRAP has pledged to continue working with Ministers, MPs, Transport for the North and local authorities to progress a scheme that it claims also has support from train operator Northern and major rail freight customer Drax Power.

“This report is a key milestone towards progressing this very short, but very vital, rail link. This comprehensive study clearly shows there will be transformational economic benefits for both Lancashire and Yorkshire,” said Assistant Features Editor

SELRAP Chairman Peter Bryson.

“This missing link will literally pay for itself in just a few years. SELRAP therefore urges politicians of all parties to support this project. With the right political will and funding, SELRAP now believes that fast and modern trains could be running from Burnley and the Pendle district into Leeds in less than an hour - by the early 2020s.”