Town's rail link plans move a step closer

Plans to restore passenger rail services to a Lancashire town have moved a step closer after an MP said he had been assured the scheme would be included in the final version of the county's transport implementation plan.

Campaigners have long called for the return of passenger trains to the Rawtenstall, which has been without a rail service since its station closed in 1972.

The proposed City Valley Rail Link would use the existing East Lancashire Railway route between Rawtenstall and Bury, with passengers connecting to Metrolink services into Manchester.

A future phase could see trains run directly to Manchester Victoria.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae said: "The scheme was left out of the first draft of Lancashire's transport implementation plan. That plan is what decides which schemes get taken seriously, so being outside it would have stopped us before we started.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports the MP said he had since received assurances from Lancashire County Council leaders that the rail link would be included in the final version of the plan.

He said the move would allow work to begin on a detailed feasibility case and help build support for the project with partners in Greater Manchester.

"I've secured a meeting with Bev Craig, the new Mayor of Greater Manchester, and I'll be putting the case to her shortly," MacNae said.

Supporters say the rail link could improve connectivity for Rossendale residents, boost access to jobs and help reduce road congestion.

Previous work on the scheme suggested it could also bring wider economic benefits to the area.

The project, which was estimated to cost about £80m in 2022, would still need a full business case and funding approval before passenger services could return.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.