West Lancashire MP Rosie is determined the Transport Secretary’s commitment to consider the reinstatement of the Burscough Curves will not be just another empty promise.

MP Rosie has been campaigning for several years for the reinstatement of the Burscough Curves to provide connections between Burscough, Preston and Ormskirk on the Southport to Manchester Line. As part of the renewed rail service, Rosie also supports the extension of electrification which will also mean the replacement of our current diesel trains.

In response to comments made by the Secretary of State for Transport about the rail scheme on a visit to Southport, Rosie Cooper has tabled a series of Parliamentary Questions to the Department for Transport.

Rosie is demanding to know the details of the department’s process for considering the viability of the scheme and the potential funding of the project.

Commenting on her questions and the issue of the Burscough curves reinstatement, MP Rosie Cooper said:

“Back in 2011 I was campaigning for the reinstatement of the Burscough Curves when the Conservative-led government announced they were putting a hold on funding new rail projects.

“I am glad there is now recognition that the reinstatement of the Burscough Curves would offer real benefits for passengers, local economies and would improve local rail connections.

“I have always been clear that my long-term commitment is to see this rail scheme delivered. Increasingly the danger for West Lancashire rail services is that we become an island of diesel surround by electric rail services. Without the investment in the electrification of local rail services and improved connections this community would become more isolated and disconnected.

“I’ve tabled these Parliamentary Questions because this scheme is too important for the Transport Secretary to be offering false hope and empty promises.

“I want to see action and I want to see the reinstatement of the Burscough Curves given the due consideration it needs and deserves.”