SKIPTON TO COLNE REOPENING STUDY

TRANSPORT SECRETARY Chris Grayling has announced a feasibility study into reopening the Skipton to Colne railway line. The 12-mile route last saw trains in 1970 and could allow new services to operate from Lancashire to Skipton and Leeds, as well as creating a faster freight route across the Pennines. The study is being co-commissioned by the Department for Transport and Transport for the North and is due to be completed later this year. In a letter to campaigners, Mr Grayling said if the study establishes there is a case for reopening he expects it to be taken forward for consideration as part of the new enhancements process for Control Period 6 (2019-24).