An event updating local MP’s and businesses on the Skipton to Colne rail link project has been held in Parliament this week.
The Skipton and East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) argued that the construction of an “effective, fast and modern transport link” between East Lancashire and Leeds would generate 270,000 to 330,000 passengers per yer, providing key transport links between Yorkshire and Lancashire and providing the “missing link” between the counties.
Local MPs Robbie Moore (Con; Keighley and Ilkley) and Andrew Stephenson (Con; Pendle) spoke to businesses at the event to restate their support.
Mr Moore argued the project would provide a “much-needed boost” to transport connectivity, adding that it is “vital” East-West connectivity is improved.
The Department for Transport are reviewing the Strategic Outline Business Case for the project.
Robbie Moore MP said:
"It was fantastic to receive an in-depth update from the Skipton and East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) in Parliament.
The reinstatement of a railway line between Skipton and Colne has my full support and would provide a much-needed boost to transport connectivity across our area.
In fact, forecasts presented to MPs in the meeting today estimate that the project would generate around 300,000 passengers per year, creating new rail links between East Lancashire, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, and helping to drive vital economic growth for the area.
It is vital that East-West connectivity is significantly improved and I will continue to campaign on this issue and lobby the Department for Transport to review the Business Case for this project."
