Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has challenged the Transport Secretary in the House of Commons after the Government’s latest Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement failed to include a single penny for Lancashire.
Questioning Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP in the Chamber, Fylde’s MP highlighted the complete absence of funding for the county and pressed her on what progress had been made in identifying a funding stream for the long awaited South Fylde passing loop.
Andrew Snowden MP said:
“The Conservatives had a clear opportunity to pay for the South Fylde passing loop through the Restoring Your Railway Fund allocated by the last Conservative governement, but it was one of the first things the incoming Labour Government scrapped. The issue is not new. The need for a passing loop on the South Fylde line has been raised repeatedly in Parliament, not just by me, but also by other MPs representing neighbouring areas.”
“That decision pulled the rug from under communities along the line. Now, months on, the Transport Secretary appears to know little about the scheme and is asking me to write to her about it again. I have already written to the Government about it and raised the matter multiple times in Parliament. This is simply not good enough.
“There is more to the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ than just Manchester and Liverpool. Lancashire deserves proper investment and a Government that knows the detail of the projects that matter to our communities.”
The South Fylde passing loop would allow more frequent and more reliable services between Blackpool South and Preston, increasing capacity and supporting commuters, residents and visitors alike.
Andrew Snowden added:
“I will keep pressing the Government to reinstate a proper funding route and to deliver the improvements that were already within reach before Labour scrapped them.”
