Study to continue into new transport links

Date published: 08 June 2009

Transport bosses have asked for a study into new transport links between Ramsbottom, Bury and Heywood to be developed further.

Members of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) have asked for more detailed work to be done on the options for developing the East Lancashire Railway.

Councillor Keith Whitmore, Vice Chair of GMITA, welcomed the study.

He said: “We’re committed to improving transport in the East Lancashire and West Rochdale corridors, but need to give careful consideration to exactly how we go about doing that – and that is where the study comes in.

“Once it has been completed and we know what our options are, we will also have a clearer picture of the costs involved and we can start to consider the matter of funding.

“But one thing is very clear – we recognise the importance of preserving the heritage of the East Lancashire Railway and will be meeting with officials from the railway soon to discuss the study and include them in the process.”

At a meeting in May, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) agreed to create the Greater Manchester Transport Fund, which will provide a total of £1.54 billion to pay for 15 major transport schemes.

AGMA has also identified a further four schemes as priorities – including developing the East Lancashire Railway – but further funding will have to be secured before they can be progressed.

A feasibility study into the options for developing the railway is currently underway.

A report to AGMA indicated that up to £30 million could be needed to deliver any suitable solutions.