In the last month there have been a couple of reports, one from Network Rail(NR) and the other from the Association of Train Operating Companies(ATOC). Both of these propose improvements to the rail system following increased usage in the last few years and include proposals in the Preston / Fylde area.
Network Rail outlined proposals for increased electrification – jumping on the green bandwagon and making the case that some trains are diesel on electric track because a short stretch of the route isn’t electrified. Also modern trains don’t lend themselves to changing the loco and diversion routes are created with more electrification. Although I read a new order with Hitachi is being placed for hybrid trains that will run over both types of track.
ATOC said that some areas in the country have increased populations but the lines have been closed. So they propose re-opening them.
Included are Manchester to Preston which forces diesels to run on the West Coast Main Line to Scotland. Also the stretch of line between Poulton Le Fylde and Fleetwood was stated to have sufficient population to re-open it.
I have suspicion about both of these local proposals. It did seem in the article I read that the electrification of Manchester – Preston – Blackpool was in a sort of ‘other’ category and not in the main strategic requirement. Also the Fleetwood statement sounded reasonable although the town is unable to justify a decent road link and has just got a new light railway link to Blackpool approved, so on that basis I feel it’s a bit of a sop to the area. If the light railway is built is the plan for a Fleetwood freight link? On the other hand both of these proposals have a lot of plus points including regeneration west of Preston and direct electric trains from other major cities.
Fleetwood is desperately struggling for investment and is just about holding on. So I vote yes to it all, despite a question about how it is funded when we’ve no money in the next few years. Does this mean 2020?
Who are the MP’s in the Fylde; Joan Humble, Ben Wallace, Gordon Marsden, Michael Jack. Supported by Preston; Mark Hendrick.