Trains may switch to new route to Burnley
TRAINS from the Liverpool to Manchester route could be used for the Manchester to Burnley route from 2014, it was announced.
The Department of Transport (DFT) is working with Northern Rail to develop the Manchester to Burnley train route in 2014, the House of Commons heard.
Hyndburn and Haslingden MP, Graham Jones, asked Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, what steps he was taking to ensure there would be rolling stock.
Conservative MP for Wimbledon, Stephen Hammond, replied: The DFT are working with Northern Rail to develop the train service that will operate on the Manchester to Burnley route in 2014 following completion of the Todmorden curve.
Northern Rail is working on a proposal that they will submit to the DFT for consideration. This will include options for the provision of diesel rolling stock to be used on the line.
Their proposal may include diesel stock released from the electrified route between Liverpool and Manchester.
The £8.8 million service will be delayed by at least six months because of a lack of trains, the Lancashire Telegraph revealed in October.