Calls for M65 extension and reopening of Colne to Skipton rail link

Lancashire Telegraph,  9th June,Transport

New calls for investment in east Lancashire transport including reopening the Colne-Skipton railway link have been made following the chancellor’s announcements about government cash for tram, railway and bus projects elsewhere in England.

Alongside this, some people believe Lancashire needs a publicly-elected regional mayor as soon as possible to fight for government transport cash, like metro mayors in neighbouring regions.

The new calls come after chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the first investments from the government’s new Spending Review. She said £15.6 billion was allocated for transport projects in England’s city-regions which currently have directly-elected regional mayors – including West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, all bordering Lancashire.

Lancashire does not currently have an elected regional mayor. But it does have a new fledgling combined county authority, which the current and previous governments have wanted as a first step towards devolution. 

More Westminster financial announcements will come next week, when the Spending Review is fully unveiled. The government’s purpose is to allocate cash to different departments over four years or so, to create more certainty for national and local decisions including transport.

The Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) wants the Colne-Skipton link reopened and new fast trains between Lancashire and Yorkshire beyond congested Manchester. It has cross-party political support from Pendle Council and various MPs along the  route, and is currently contacting all Lancashire county councillors about its aims.

Peter Bryson from SELRAP said:  ”Long-overdue transport investment in northern England is welcomed by SELRAP. However, once again, we see only the big cities with metro mayors receiving funding. This has resulted in some of the most deprived and marginalised constituencies in Lancashire being ignored.

“The Skipton to Colne reconnection project is both low in cost and risk. Yet it would help revitalise ‘red wall’ areas and have a transformational impact due to its social and economic benefits.

“Further investments in transport are due as part of the government’s  financial review next week so we shall have to see what funding for projects is announced then. It is vital that Lancashire is not left behind.”

Lib-Dem Coun David Whipp, the new leader of Pendle Council and also a recently-elected Lancashire county councillor, said: “It looks like we are the forgotten corner of the country. This is yet another missed opportunity to address the east-west connectivity that we are crying-out for. Reopening of the Colne to Skipton rail route should be a priority, and improvements to the existing East Lancashire Line.

“Investment in public transport is welcome but it needs to be distributed fairly across the country. It’s like we’re the poor-relation country cousins being let down by Labour.”

Independent Coun Mohammed Iqbal, also a Pendle borough councillor and Lancashire county councillor, said: “The announcement from the chancellor is generally good news but sadly Lancashire and Pendle have missed out again.

“I would press our MP to strongly lobby for both the M65 motorway extension and the Colne to Skipton rail link to be reopened. My constituents in Pendle want better living conditions through good wages and a transport infrastructure which helps fulfil their aspirations.”