MP hails ‘huge step forward’ in rail campaign
VALLEY MP Jake Berry has welcomed a ‘huge step forward’ with the confirmation that plans to restore Rossendale’s Rail link are now officially being considered by Transport for the North.
Formed by the Government, Transport for the North (TfN) is England’s first sub-national transport body.
Mr Berry said he was delighted with the development, which comes after Rossendale council and Lancashire County Council commissioned consultants to explore the ‘early strategic case for investment for the Rawtenstall to Manchester corridor’ - as we reported last month.
Jake said: “Restoring Rossendale’s rail link is a long term project, but this is a huge step forward.
“Anyone who’s sat in the traffic on the M66 knows that we have got to improve our links to Manchester. That’s why I am delighted that TfN are supporting the need to improve our transport connections to Greater Manchester.
“The restoration of Rossendale’s rail link would go a long way to reducing pressure along the M66 corridor and bring more jobs and investment to Rossendale and the wider East Lancashire area.”
Rossendale is Lancashire’s only borough without a commuter rail link - although East Lancashire Heritage Railway has previously expressed ‘concerns’ over the potential impact of a commuter service on its continued heritage operations.
Rossendale council leader Alyson Barnes said: “Rossendale needs a rail link and it’s heartening to see Transport for the North are actively consid- ering putting it into its investment programme.
“We will continue to make the case for a rail link and will continue to lobby government that securing one is vital to this borough’s long term prosperity.”
TfN said options being considered include a rail link or improved links to Metrolink tram services.
Chairman John Cridland said: “Transport for the North (TfN), working with local partners, has identified and supports the need for improved transport connections from Rossendale to Greater Manchester.
“TfN will work with its partners including Lancashire CC, Rossendale council and Transport for Greater Manchester in further developing options.”
A Rossendale Rail Link is currently at the ‘options assessment stage’ and more work is required to consider viability as potential costs and benefits are identified.
The conclusions from the work in a Central Pennines Study will be published alongside TfN’s Strategic Transport Plan and Long Term Investment programme early next year.