Council leader responds to transport plan publication

Rossendale Council’s leader Alyson Barnes has expressed disappointment that Rossendale to Manchester rail link is not listed as a priority project in Transport for the North’s strategic transport plan (STP).

Last week, Transport for the North published its Strategic Transport Plan (STP) and investment programme.

A rail link for Rossendale is included in the plan but on a list of possible interventions after 2027.

Councillor Barnes said:

“Rossendale Council has been leading the fight to restore our vital rail link and through our efforts have brought on board the leaders of Lancashire, Rochdale and Bury Councils, the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and MPs whose constituencies are along the route.

It is therefore  tremendously disappointing then that Rossendale has been shunted down the list of projects and has not been seen as a priority by Transport for the North in its 30 year strategy.

“I and Rossendale Council will continue to lobby for the Rossendale rail link and will be asking that the next step, the strategic outline business case, be funded by Transport for the North which has a reported budget of billions to benefit all of the North.

“A rail link to Rossendale doesn’t just benefit the borough but also the region which is why we have been able to build the support we have.

“I will also be writing to the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse Jake Berry, who has already announced his support, to help lobby for the money we need. I hope Jake can use his influence as a minister to get us to the next stage of this project.”