Firms back rail link plans
BUSINESS leaders backed a bid to reinstate a commuter rail link between Rossendale, Manchester, Rochdale and beyond.
An update on progress made by Rossendale council and its partners was given at the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce (ELCC) meeting at AG6 in Rawtenstall.
Council chief executive Stuart Sugarman discussed a recent meeting the council leader Alyson Barnes had requested with Northern Powerhouse Minister and Rossendale MP Jake Berry. It involved MPs from along the rail route and officers, and the findings of a Centre for Economics and Business Research study were discussed. The study found the link to be both viable and feasible.
Mr Sugarman said: “What was really positive was that from the discussions afterwards there was a really clear feeling that everybody understood the benefits to them. That is the difference we have made - other areas can now see the benefits this would have for them.”
John Cooper, CEO of Interfloor, said his company employs 270 people in Haslingden and they travel from a wide area.
He said: “I think the idea of a rail link would be incredibly positive for the wellbeing of a lot of people as well as for the environment.”
Bob Killelea, MD of steel fabricators James Killelea and Sons in Crawshawbooth, said: “Some of my staff commute to work from Manchester and we have had to bring in flexible working hours so they can have an early start and early finish. If I didn’t do that I would lose staff from the Manchester area. This is a must for Rossendale.”
Stephen Greenhalgh, joint managing director of Rossendale’s largest employer J and J Ormerod, said a rail link was a ‘major priority’.
Peter Boys, director of Waterfoot construction firm B&E Boys, added: “It is essential for the future prosperity of the Valley.”
Tony Holt, joint managing director of Linemark Signs in Rawtenstall, said: “We have people who come from Wilmslow and the commute is terrible. After making that journey when you get into work you are already exhausted before you have started the day.”
At the meeting, everyone agreed East Lancashire Railway needed to get involved in future discussions.
The next step is to try to get funding agreed for a Strategic Outline Business Case – which will cost approximately £250,000 – to explore the options put forward in the report.