MP listens to case for re-opening Skipton to Colne rail line

Craven Herald, 11th October

Representatives from SELRAP met the Pendle and Clitheroe MP Jonathan Hinder to outline the case for re-opening the rail line between Colne and Skipton.

The MP agreed it was a positive meeting and said he looked forward to working with SELRAP to get the project over the line as soon as possible.

Follow up action by Mr Hinder will include writing to the government about pursuing the next steps to carrying out the required new feasibility study.

After the meeting the MP toured the track bed near Colne with Chris Oakley and SELRAP chair Peter Bryson.

The campaign group believe the line should be re-instated as a strategic rail route connecting communities across the North of England and provide a much needed diversionary cross Pennine rail route.

They say it would ease congestion on other routes which will need upgrading to accommodate the growing demand for more rail capacity across the region.

Pendle MP Jonathan Hinder, centre, with SELRAP committee member Chris Oakley and chair Peter Bryson (Image: UGC)