SELRAP meet with Skipton MP to update on rail campaign

Craven Herald & Pioneer, 10th April

Colne to Skipton Trackbed

SKIPTON MP Sir Julian Smith has committed to working with the group and fellow MPs campaigning for the reinstatement of the Skipton to Colne railway - which could reopen in the early part of the next decade, say supporters.

The Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) updated Sir Julian on its decades-long campaign to see the reinstatement of the 12 miles of 'missing link' railway line which passes through Broughton, Thornton-in-Craven and Earby and which closed in 1970.

At the meeting in Skipton, leaders of the group, including chair, Peter Bryson, said how the transformational project would extend the busy Airedale Line from Skipton to East Lancashire, making it possible to travel from Nelson to Leeds in under an hour, linking several major towns, and bringing multiple benefits such as employment opportunities, more affordable housing, education and tourism.

The 'low risk' project with an 'excellent' business case, would cost around £430m and the line could reopen in the early 2030s, says SELRAP.

SELRAP also recently organised a tour of the trackbed between Skipton and Colne of representatives of councils and major businesses before ending up at the offices of project supporter and major employer, Skipton Building Society.

Those who joined the minibus tour, led by chair Mr Bryson, with SELRAP members, Andy Dixon and Chris Oakley, included Lancashire County Council, North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Bradford Council, Keighley Town Council, Arup Engineering and Drax.

After his meeting with SELRAP, Sir Julian said: “It is fantastic to see the dedication and hard work of SELRAP in pushing forward this project. Whilst there is a long way to go, the team made a strong case for the restoration of the Skipton to Colne rail link which will not only improve transport infrastructure but also unlock substantial economic opportunities for our region.”

During the meeting Sir Julian committed to continuing to work with SELRAP, fellow MPs and other authorities to help progress the project.

Last month, the Labour MP for Pendle and Clitheroe, Jonathan Hinder, called on the Government to invest in rail services. Speaking at a Westminster debate on improving transport connectivity in the North West, he highlighted the 'unacceptable' state of rail services in his constituency and across the region.

Mr Hinder further reaffirmed his support for reinstating the Colne-Skipton rail link, arguing that reopening the 12-mile stretch would be a 'game-changer' for east-west connectivity and economic opportunities in East Lancashire.

He said: "Regional inequality in transport investment is stark. Time and again, we see projects prioritised in the South while the North is left waiting. The government must be bold and deliver the transport system the North West deserves."

Skipton Town Council has already stated its support of the campaign to reinstate the Skipton to Colne railway.