The new Todmorden curve which directly links the Accrington railway line with Manchester was re-opened last year after being closed for decades. However, trains are not yet running on it due to a lack of provision by the government and old underground carriages are being brought up North for use on the new line.
Cllr Clare Cleary said, "This is a huge opportunity for the region but we need to come forward with strategic ideas rather than simply accepting government cuts to ticket offices and conductors. We have always been the poor second cousins in the North and now we are getting second-rate stock instead of encouraging local production of new carriages. Leasing old trains for the North costs a fortune and comes at the same time as billions are being spent on buying brand new stock for the South."
Cllr Harry Grayson added, "Whilst the connection is excellent news and will reduce travelling times considerably for people in Hyndburn, Rishton is not a stop on the new service and passengers will need to travel to Accrington station first. We are the largest single ward in the borough, it makes no sense not to be included."
The full motion to Council can be viewed
here.
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