A PETITION calling for the re-opening of a missing section of railway between Yorkshire and Lancashire has already been signed by nearly 600 people.
If the section of line between Skipton and Colne was reinstated, it would create a direct route into East Lancashire from locations such as Keighley and Bradford, boosting economic and education opportunities, campaigners believe.
Just hours after going live, campaign group Skipton East Lancashire Railway Partnership's online (SELRAP) petition is well on its way to reaching its 1,000 target.
The petition was launched on the Lancashire-North Yorkshire border, near Thornton-in-Craven, and attended by a range of supporters, including MPs, local authority councillors, business leaders, police, the mayors of Skipton and Pendle, and transport campaigners.
SELRAP says reinstatement of the 12-mile 'missing link' railway, which was closed in 1970, and last year was estimated to cost in the region of £430 million, will be a vital link between Skipton and East Lancashire, opening up a wide range of opportunities.
A bridge crosses the remains of the Skipton-Colne line near Thornton (Image: Lesley Tate)
Due to be presented to Parliament next year, the petition calls on ministers to support the campaign.
Student, George Fry, from Colne, who started the petition, said: “For young people without a car in East Lancashire, getting to Yorkshire is a real struggle. For the sake of the environment, having a car should not be a necessity to make a success of our lives.
“The Colne-Skipton reopening would be transformational, not just for young people. It’s vital to kickstart growth, particularly in east Lancashire boroughs blighted by growing levels of poverty, such as Pendle. This petition is an important opportunity for all those who want to get Colne-Skipton back in action to make their voices heard.”
Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore, speaking at the launch at Thornton Hall Country Park, close to the remains of the line, said: “Boosting rail connectivity across the North, the reinstatement of the missing link would open up a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages, on both sides of the Pennines.
“The success of the Airedale Line from Leeds to Skipton cannot be underestimated. It’s now time to improve Keighley’s rail access to our near neighbours in Lancashire.”
Route of the old line in Kelbrook (Image: Submitted)
In a video message of support, Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith MP said: "I commend the SELRAP team for making the case for this project's potential to boost jobs, investment and economic growth.
"The scheme also has the potential to improve opportunities for young people, strengthen links across the North and encourage more people to use our rail network."
Pendle MP Jonathan Hinder, said: “Our cul-de-sac of a railway illustrates how neglected the North’s public transport has been for so many decades. Reviving our direct rail connection with Leeds via the 12-mile missing link would be transformational for our local economy.”
North Yorkshire councillors Simon Myers (Mid Craven) and Richard Foster (Wharfedale), attended the launch. Cllr Myers said: " It's very positive to see a renewed impetus on the long-running battle to see the line reopened. I hope as many people as possible will support the petition so that the issue can be debated in Parliament."
Stuart Haire, Group Chief Executive Officer of Skipton Building Society, sponsors of the launch, added: "Restoring the Colne-Skipton rail link would strengthen connections across Lancashire and Yorkshire, opening up greater opportunities for people, businesses and communities across the region.
“As an organisation proud to call this area home, we have long supported the campaign to reinstate the line and recognise the positive impact improved transport links can have on economic growth, access to employment and local investment.”
Simon Brierley, Chief Executive of East Lancashire Commerce said: “For East Lancashire businesses, this isn't just about reinstating 12 miles of track, it's about reconnecting our economy. Reopening the Colne-Skipton Line would give companies access to bigger markets, a wider workforce and new opportunities on both sides of the Pennines.”
And, Michael Solomon Williams of Campaign for Better Transport added: "As the Government reforms the way the railways are run, it must focus on connecting more communities to the rail network.
"The Colne-Skipton Line is a prime example, which is why it is one of our priority lines. It would link people to jobs and education, boost businesses and the local economy. It would also support sustainable travel, including for tourism, which is vital to tackling climate change."
Debris at the side of the old line near Elslack (Image: Lesley Tate)
Those against the reopening of the line say it is an enormous amount of money for a 12-mile stretch of railway and will have a huge impact on Earby residents whose properties will be affected.
The petition can be signed by visiting: https://c.org/B9mGvW9LMg