CravenRail

The newsletter for supporters of SELRAP:  the Skipton-East Rail Action Partnership

Issue 7 Winter 2005/6

Admit it. You’ve noticed already. A brand new look. That has you on the edge of your seat and bursting to open up on the latest news concerning the campaign to reopen the railway between Skipton and .

HEADLINES ..... FEATURES ..... MPs SHAKE HANDS ON TRACKBED 3 SKIPTON–COLNE LINE IN THE NORTHERN WAY 4 THEY’RE DOING IT IN . WALES TOO. SO WHY IS BEING LEFT BEHIND? 5 MEET OUR PATRONS 6 WHO’S SUPPORTING SELRAP? 6 WORTH NOTING 6 ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES? 7 NORTHERN REVIEW ….. AND A DfT HIGH LEVEL OUTPUT STATEMENT Photo ….. courtesy of Craven Herald 7 FROM THIS TO THAT 2 DEMONSTRATION OF SOLIDARITY 8 FOR THE FUTURE Pendle Borough and Craven District linked at symbolic meeting to back rail reopening 8 WHAT NEXT? 2 LTP 2 INCLUSION 8 WHY DO WE DO IT? Reopening features in latest Local Transport 8 MEETING SCHEDULE Plan 8 WANT TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN TO RE 2 COMMUNITY RAIL OPEN THE SKIPTON – COLNE RAILWAY? Colne branch ….. a brighter future SEE BACK FOR HOW 3 CONSULTANTS INVOLVED

Rail firm to do preliminary work 3 ICE WARMS TOWARDS RAIL Institute of Civil Engineers report

Skipton -East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership

RECONNECTING YOUR REGION

Supported by HML Homeloan Management Ltd

Patrons: Nicholas Owen, MPs David Curry, Gordon Prentice, Nigel Evans MEPs Chris Davies, Diana Wallis 2

A DEMONSTRATION OF SOLIDARITY ….. LTP INCLUSION and support for reopening the Skipton – Colne All County Councils are required to produce railway took place on the Lancashire / North comprehensive integrated transport policies Yorkshire border at Thornton in Craven. On Friday covering all forms of surface transport. Local 4th November MPs David Curry (Con. Skipton Transport Plan 1(LTP1) covers the period 2001 – & Ripon) and Gordon Prentice (Lab. Pendle 2006. As reported in CravenRail 6, SELRAP has District) met and shook hands over a twined ceaselessly lobbied both Lancashire and ribbon of red and white placed across the trackbed North Yorkshire County Councils concerning of the former route ..... and representing the the inclusion of reopening proposals for the regions reconnected. Skipton – Colne railway in respective LTP2s for the period 2006 - 2011. Fact is that without An invited audience of Local and County credence from this quarter, chances for our Councillors drawn from both sides of the proposals becoming anything more are slim. border, representatives from the media and SELRAP members heard SELRAP's Liaison The fact that a voluntary group is able to engage Officer, Andy Shackleton, welcome those on a regular basis with decision makers at this attending and tell of the thrill felt by the group in level has to be regarded as a measure by which hosting its high profile patrons. Mr Shackleton SELRAP’s ongoing campaign might be judged. But went on to outline the rationale behind the group’s it gets better ….. for draft proposals from North work ..... and background to it. Together with its Yorkshire County Council’s LTP2 include the [realisable] ambitions to see the line reopen following ..... “The County Council is also in 2012. aware of the potential re-opening of other rail routes which would be of benefit. The Mr Curry stated that he would work with those Skipton – Colne railway is an example. Whilst prepared to further proposals for reopening the NYCC acknowledges it is not the line. Describing the proposal as “do-able”, he responsibility of the Council it realises the stressed that reopening the artery between potential benefits to the area and will major economic centres on either side of the support such a scheme.” Plainly their Draft Pennines had to be for the common good . LTP2 is still subject to some fine tuning, but And went on to speak of spin offs that would SELRAP has been informed that NYCC’s support address many of the current buzzwords ..... for the re-opening of the railway will be included namely sustainability, accessibility, social & in the finally adopted LTP2. economic problems, regeneration. And more.

Mr Prentice praised the work of SELRAP and COMMUNITY RAIL ….. reminded those attending of his adjournment debate in Parliament earlier this year Proposals for developing the Colne branch line concerning reopening proposals ..... and of have moved on apace. And look set to turn support offered by fellow [SELRAP] patron MPs around the fortunes of this ailing remnant of the David Curry and Nigel Evans. He went on to tell once-through route to Skipton and beyond. For of SELRAP’s perseverance with its proposals ..... in conjunction with Northern Rail, the ….. that has turned public opinion around. Association of Community Rail Partnerships And is supported by Lancashire and North (ACoRP), Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Yorkshire County Councils, together with Craven the Lancashire Economic Partnership, and District and Pendle Borough Councils. He, too, stakeholders along the route who share an drew on the “sustainability” buzzword ..... before interest in developing the line, Lancashire County stating that the [not inconsiderable] cost of Council has set up a Community Rail reconstruction was fully justifiable. Partnership for services on the between Preston and Colne. In conclusion Mr Prentice described reopening proposals as “irresistible” ….. adding his The partnership is linked into wider regeneration hope for Government funding for the project. projects being developed by the Office of the He then thanked SELRAP for the invitation, adding Deputy Prime Minister, through the Northern Way that both he and Mr. Curry were pleased take part Growth Strategy. And others that include, in the event. ELEVATE (one of the Government's nine housing market renewal organisations), together with Then, with a symbolic demonstration of scissor Lancashire’s own Pathfinder project that is dexterity, the pair jointly cut the ribbon, “Working towards a dynamic rural economy for declaring the project unstoppable, open ….. Lancashire which is financially and or whatever suitable adjective comes to environmentally sustainable.” The stated aims for mind. all of these initiatives are to make East Lancashire More than a media stunt, the event has to be “a place where people choose to live, work, visit viewed as just one further step in SELRAP's and relax.” ongoing campaign. And proof, if proof were Interestingly, Lancashire CC regards the key to needed, of the fact that the transport issue the success of these projects to be “a high should not be viewed as some sort of quality railway that provides direct fast links political football. But one concerning the greater good of the society it serves. 3 to key areas of employment and services in launched in October, and compiled by over 500 East Lancashire and beyond.” civil engineering experts drawn from ICE’s membership. Whilst recognising that the East Lancashire line “presents a number of unique challenges”, there is The Institution of Civil Engineers is one of the pre- considerable support for making eminent engineering institutions in the world. improvements to the service within the rail Established as a learned society in 1818, it has industry, local authorities and, most 75,000 members and provides a voice for civil importantly, the local community. engineering, continuing professional development and promoting best practice throughout the Serving a conurbation that ranges from affluent industry. communities to some of the most deprived in England, currently 585,000 passengers per year Insofar as they impact on rail transport, the use the route ..... just 10% of the local reader’s attention is drawn to the following issues population. Put another way, 90% 0f the local raised within the report: population do not use it. For now. Yet it is • Road congestion is estimated to cost UK business pivotal to SELRAP’s case for reopening as a around £20 billion a year. With employees arriving late through route to Skipton and beyond. It has for work, freight companies forced to allow for longer to succeed. For obvious reasons. And to this end, and unpredictable journey times. And more. together with many other interested organisations • Between 1982 and 2003, the number of cars on UK along the route, SELRAP is delighted to be roads rose from 15.5 million to 26.2 million – a rise of included in the list of stakeholders that form 70% - increasing the pressure on the nation’s the Partnership. transport infrastructure. Car use causes air pollution; in 2002 90% of UK transport emissions came from the Community Rail Partnerships in other parts of the motor car. country have seen improved services, stations and • The need for investment in railway stations, stock. And profile of those routes raised beyond quality bus stations, and taxi ranks to create a recognition as improvements kick in. Plans for totally integrated transport system that people wish to use Nelson Bus/Rail interchange are ongoing. • Funding for transport schemes in rural areas to And Colne station is to be the subject of a address social exclusion £70,000 mini facelift. Expect to see changes on • High-speed rail services, such as those on the the ground at both sites early in 2006. Watch this West Coast mainline, introduced on other major space for more on the metamorphosis. UK routes • Public transport fares in the UK are amongst the most expensive in the world. ICE believes Government CONSULTANTS INVOLVED ….. subsidies to reduce the cost of using it is one way to make it more appealing to motorists. A well known firm of transport consultants is to • ICE calls for delivery on Government promises to carry out a Strategic Assessment Study of re increase transport funding, as set out in the opening proposals for the Skipton – Colne railway. Future of Transport White Paper 2004. Negotiations are at an early stage, but SELRAP Acknowledging that the real battle is getting can reveal that the core stages of the study will motorists to use public transport Dr Colin Clinton, involve: ICE’s President, commented "As civil engineers, • Appraisal of the existing Steer Davies Gleave we’re not naive enough to expect the end of the Report. car-first culture overnight. However, action must • Initial Market assessment be taken before we can’t drive to work or school in • Timetable modelling and simulation the morning due to permanent traffic jams outside • Engineering options, including bypass options, our houses." Dr Clinton continued: "Ultimately, extension through Colne and approach to the future of UK roads is simple – increased Skipton governmental promotion of public transport • Environmental assessment or meltdown." • Value management and engineering Rail passengers have a very clear view of what • Outline Business Case makes a good, efficient network. Researchers None of the above can be viewed in isolation. rank the top three factors as frequency, reliability Fact is that all elements of the study will interact and journey time. And they need to be persuaded ….. the overall objective being to produce the that their journey by public transport will be most cost effective scheme ..... which will then comfortable, affordable and seamless. impact on the business case for reconstruction of Makes you think. It should. For SELRAP’s the line. proposal to see the Skipton-Colne railway re

opened as part of the National Network would ICE WARMS TOWARDS RAIL address many of the issues raised by the report. A new survey by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) reveals that 69% of the public want NORTHERN WAY INCLUSION improvements in public transport to help Published in September 2004 by the Office of the combat the UK’s grid locked road network. The Deputy Prime Minister ….. Moving Forward: the research has been carried out as part of ICE’s Northern Way ….. is a growth strategy to boost State of the Nation 2005 infrastructure report, 4 prosperity across the North, to close a £29 billion • Service enhancements are now being introduced but productivity gap with the rest of the country. more ambitious actions are required to improve speed and reliability, increase seating capacity Those concerned with rail transport will find it and reduce overcrowding at peak periods. makes interesting reading. For, contained • Regional Transport Boards will endeavour to set within the document are many references to transport investment priorities, review evidence and the need for enhancements within the recommend a way forward for key projects being current network and ….. importantly ….. to promoted across the North. These new mechanisms will also develop new innovative the need for its expansion. It is not within the funding strategies, and new appraisal methods, scope of this newsletter to detail all such that will recognise the wider economic benefits references. But the [selected] quotes below make that improved transport brings. interesting reading ..... It is SELRAP’s contention that with Trans Pennine Before taking all that on board you may care to rail capacity already a serious issue, much of the lighten up a little and LAUGH WITH LAWRENCE ..... above has to be regarded as a brief for re with thanks to Doug Lawrence and “Leader Times opening the missing link between Skipton Newspapers.” Where this cartoon appeared and Colne ..... creating a much needed local and recently. SELRAP’s plainly hitting the spot ..... strategic route that will address many of the somewhere! issues raised. The remit for the Central Lancashire City Region is more specific. And includes the following observations ..... • Significant investment is required if we are to promote a well connected and attractive business environment for increasingly higher value activities. • North-South links via the M6 and West Coast main line are good. Motorway links to Blackpool and East Lancashire are strong but rail links to both areas need to be enhanced. • Access from Blackburn and Burnley to the Manchester City Region , especially by public transport to the Airport , is poor and in need of enhancement. Likewise, links to Leeds City Region and Yorkshire and the Humber are low quality and “I want to be a train driver when I grow up ….. do need to be strengthened considerably. you think the Colne-Skipton line will be finished by then?” Then, as though the script had been written by See what I mean? Ed. SELRAP, it goes on to recommend ..... • Improvements to increase capacity on the Blackburn- ************* Manchester rail corridor (e.g. dualling the rail line at all parts). • The future economic prosperity of the North depends • Reinstatement of the Colne-Skipton railway. on making investments to create integrated • Reinstatement of rail loop from East Lancashire transport systems within, and between, the to Manchester via Todmorden. North’s city regions. • Better links from the City Region to Manchester • This will mean that we will need to make different Airport. use of the public funds now being invested in transport and we will need to secure additional Isn’t it time that those with the power to say public investment. “yes” stopped dancing around the pile of • We have taken the view that the Northern Way Growth handbags and got on with reopening those Strategy should primarily focus on the two railways? economically strongest city regions of Manchester and Leeds and use this axis to improve ENGLAND LEFT BEHIND SCOTLAND & WALES incrementally direct links to and from Sheffield, and to and from Liverpool, Central Lancashire and It’s time to get out that atlas. Get this ..... north the whole Humber ports. of the border, no less than five rail reopening • There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that schemes are ongoing. On December 12th, taking economic links between the Leeds city region the newly re opened (and electrified) line to and the Manchester city region are growing. Hamilton, the first train for forty years will Their labour markets overlap, both are on the North European Trade Axis (NETA) and both rely leave Larkhall ….. bound for Glasgow Central. mainly on Manchester Airport for international But it doesn’t end there. A reopened loop air services. between Maryhill and Anniesland allows new • Thus, we see significant benefits from investing in journey opportunities for urban travel. A brand improvements to Trans-Pennine Rail Services, new line is to connect Glasgow international connecting the Manchester and Leeds city airport with the city. And plans are regions. This will make rail a more attractive mode progressing for reopening Airdrie-Bathgate, for city centre to city centre travel and stimulate Alloa-Kincardine, -Galashiels. economic growth in the towns served by these services, particularly those with regeneration Turn up the pages for Cardiff next. And the newly needs. reopened Vale of Glamorgan line to Bridgend. 5

With new stations at Roose and Llantwit Major. MEET OUR PATRONS ….. Where estate agents have predicted a mini- We’ve always told you that SELRAP’s patrons are property boom. And staff have already begun taking inquiries from those wanting to high profile, influential individuals. Now you can move there - because the hourly trains will make meet them and hear what they have to say about it easier for them to live by the sea and work in the campaign to see the Skipton-Colne railway Cardiff. reopened as part of the national network.

Meanwhile ..... earlier this year work began on the Nicholas Owen ….. Writer and broadcaster " £multi million project to provide rail services from Ebbw Vale. Closed to passengers in 1962 ….. I travel around Britain a good deal. One thing that strikes services to Cardiff are scheduled for the end me more and more is the of 2006. The reopened line will feature new heavy traffic not just in the stations at Rogerstoe, Risca, Cross Keys, busiest and biggest towns Newbridge, Llanhilleth and Ebbw Vale Parkway. and cities, or on the motorways, but on almost Describing the impact of the line's re-opening as every road and village street. "immense", AM (Welsh Assembly Member) for Which is why campaigns like Blaenau Gwent Peter Law said "You have to live that to get trains back in deprivation to understand it, and to get to between Skipton and Colne the capital city 45 miles away gives us deserve every support. I am happy to give it." employment, educational and social opportunities." David Curry MP (Con) Skipton & Ripon Why do I tell you all of this? ….. “I am delighted to reaffirm ‘Cos they feature in every rail reopening proposal my support for the campaign worth considering. Sustainability, Social to reopen the Skipton-Colne inclusion, Employment, Tourism, railway. And been struck by Regeneration, Economic benefit. And the the degree of support for the rest. project, the efficient marshalling of that support You know the story all too well. As do those and the very impressive charged with transport policy in England. assessment of relevant Where, sadly, the Government apparently economic and social data” still wishes we would all leap aboard the bus. To be carted through the traffic that public transport is supposed to cut down on ..... apparently blinkered to the well known fact Gordon Prentice MP (Lab) Pendle that most motorists would gladly take the “Selrap has done a great job train if high quality services are provided at on raising public awareness affordable rates. and getting local authorities to sing from the same song The facts speak for themselves: sheet. There is a huge • In the last ten years rail travel is up by almost coalition of support for 40%. reinstatement of the railway; • Despite the much peddled line that "people are in love the cost of bringing it back with their cars", over half the population already use would be relatively modest; it rail. would open up new economic • Over a billion passengers now travel by rail each and recreational year ….. higher than at any time since 1959. opportunities for people on • Half of all journeys over 25 miles are by rail. both sides of the regional border” • Light rail/tram schemes are incredibly successful. • Despite train/tram-lookalike low cut windscreens, Nigel Evans MP (Con) executive seating et al ..... the fact remains that a journey to Manchester on the new [and cutback from "I am fully in support of the Colne to Nelson] express bus takes an hour and a half moves to re-open the Skipton …… compared to the [rail] journey in the 1930’s – Colne Railway line as part of that took a little over an hour for the full Monty. the national network. I The Reverend W. Awdry’s Thomas the Tank and commend the on going work Bertie the Bus learned a long time ago that the of SELRAP and the campaign has my full backing. When we only way forward was co operation. Leading to are trying to encourage integrated, seamless transport with rail at its commuters off the road and core ….. supported by quality buses servicing on to other forms of transport outlying regions. - a commitment to a project like this by all those involved would be a clear Put simply ….. horses for courses. indication of this intent and I know it is heartily supported by the wider community."

6

Chris Davis MEP (Lib Dem) North West • Steer, Davies, Gleave “Two Counties study” backs long term future for the line as a strategic trans-Pennine “The failure to accept [rail] route. • that the rail system East Lancashire Housing Market Renewal Strategy of needs now to be the Elevate Pathfinder indicates that rail transport is expanded is short an important factor in regeneration and building sighted. Local sustainable communities. • authorities on both The Northern Way Growth Strategy: “Moving Forward” sides of the Pennine backs the “Reinstatement of the Colne-Skipton Way need to start Railway” in its Central Lancashire City Region. factoring the line into Development Programme for linking East Lancashire their transport with Manchester and Leeds, Yorkshire and Humberside strategies. The in conjunction with Lancashire Economic Partnership. • assumption should be: Countryside Agency [under its “Vital Villages” 'it is going to happen Initiative], identified the lack of “Public Transport” as and this is the the most important problem/issue at its “Visioning difference it will Event”; one of the main solutions to solving the make'." problem was “reopening the Railway between Lancashire and Yorkshire.” • Council for the Protection of Rural England Diana Wallis MEP (Lib Dem) Yorks & Humber • Rail Passenger Committee (North West).

"I am very pleased to WORTH NOTING ….. be one of SELRAP's patrons. The campaign Although not strictly allied to SELRAP’s campaign, to reinstate the rail link of interest is the recent announcement by Kitty from Skipton to Colne Ussher MP for Burnley. Who “is willing to has gathered real support any group that is looking to expand momentum over the the railway.” Together with four other East past couple of years so Lancashire MPs, that include SELRAP patron that there is now a real Gordon Prentice and none other than Foreign possibility of the rail Secretary Jack Straw, she recently wrote to the line reopening. However we must keep NWDA clearly stating the wish to expand rail the pressure on at all services in the area. Citing employment levels.” opportunities, tourism, and more, her bid called for improved rail links between East Lancashire and Manchester. Or to put it another way ..... reinstate the Todmorden curve! WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR SELRAP (A potential route for Skipton-Manchester trains) The list of those who support proposals for The Strategic Rail Authority retained ownership of reopening the Skipton-Colne line continues to the rail trackbed between Colne and Foulridge. grow. Plainly, individual reasons for offering that OK, for SRA, read DfT. Who only retain sites support will be many and varied. that have potential for re use as a railway. Those same criteria feature time and time again. Network Rail is focussing on reducing the unit cost You know them all by now ….. together with of network maintenance and renewal, not simply politicians seeking re election at any level. Got it on reducing the network’s size. So successful in one ….. Sustainability, Social Inclusion, have they been that 2004/5 saw an underspend Accessibility. And the rest ….. of £800 million. Sufficient to re build the Below, in no particular order are the major Skipton-Colne line. And several more! players. With apologies if your organisation is not featured. If so, give SELRAP a call. ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES? • North Yorkshire County Council ….. whose Draft LTP2 Those charged with transport planning need to be for the period 2006-11 features a [guarded] reference aware that alternatives to full rail reinstatement to support for reopening the line. have been considered. • Lancashire County Council …… “aware of other proposals for developing the local railway network” The following is a summary of an article written by ..... including Colne-Skipton in conjunction with NYCC. SELRAP (and ICE) member Steve Arnold ..... who • Craven District Council. examines options for the East Lancashire/North • Skipton Town Council. Yorkshire corridor: • Pendle Borough Council. • , Kelbrook, Sough Parish, and Foulridge Parish The Full Monty ..... involving reconstruction of the line to Councils. full national standards to take all forms of traffic. And • Pendle Environmental Network. electrified throughout. • Colne Connected ..... the Colne Market Town As above but without electrification. But questions Partnership. concerning quality of service would remain. Rolling • Burnley Borough Counci.l stock et al. Fact remains, though, that such a scheme • Burnley Action Partnership. could be tied into [rail] services into the Dales. Via the • Lancashire Partnership’s long term Community route to Grassington and Heritage line to Bolton Abbey. strategy “Ambition Lancashire” supports improved trans Pennine rail connections. The Tramway or Light Railway. Potentially less costly 7 and more flexible, modern vehicles are capable of FROM THIS …… TO THAT carrying many passengers quickly and comfortably between urban centres. But although providing the link Hard to believe. But these two photographs were to the Dales it would not be accessible to standard taken on the same day. In 2005. Yet light years rolling stock. And is only half an answer for it cannot apart. On the left, the driver of this ancient bus help with the movement of freight. on rails has stopped his train to pull on a rope. Then there’s the Guided Busway ..... probably the That will activate level crossing barriers and allow cheapest solution in providing a rapid link between Colne him to proceed. This timewarp features on all and Skipton ..... for where there are obstacles, the bus returns to the road. Or Dual Road-Rail Vehicles currently being developed. That could provide a service between Skipton and Colne ..... returning to rail in Colne station for an onward journey to Preston. Conclusion From the outset of its campaign, SELRAP has advocated full reinstatement of the Skipton-Colne railway as part of the National Network. And none of the alternatives cause the group to services using the line. Meet the Colne branch. deviate from that view. Or come close to A dozen miles away, the driver of this modern providing a viable local and strategic transport for electric train has just pulled smoothly into the region. Full electrification between West and beautifully presented Skipton station. East Coast lines - Skipton to Preston would be a forward looking solution, providing an efficient and Doesn’t seem quite fair. Does it? effective addition to the rail network, whilst giving Community Rail has arrived not a moment too an enormous boost to the economy of the region. soon. With a promise of better everything for East

L ancashire’s rail service, SELRAP applauds this NORHERN REVIEW …. AND A DfT STATEMENT major step towards 21 st century rail travel. Get more passengers on to rail. Provide services But take a look at these massive erections ..... people will want to use. To destinations they that stride cross Burnley and Colne. Twenty demand. Let’s call it ..... Community Rail. And vertigo inducing arches connect East Lancashire to Manchester with in total. That will need trains fit for the 21 st century. Then we’ll more than a shot of extend services to Skipton and put on through Viagra if they’re to be trains to Manchester Airport. maintained. And SELRAP’s nothing if not idealistic. Yet quietly retained. For, currently aware that extending services to Skipton is carrying an hourly unlikely to feature in the ongoing review of service on the short Northern Rail’s 8 year franchise. But nothing’s single line branch line to been ruled in or out! Colne, these structures could so easily be “Ribbleheaded.” It is being regarded as a precursor to the High Level Output Statement from the DfT ..... due in Remember ..... back in the ‘eighties? The millions 2007. Which will set out the size and type of British Rail claimed were required to make rail system the Government believes the Ribblehead viaduct safe. That subtly engineered country can afford. drama almost closed the Settle to Carlisle line. A major inter-city route. Read into that what you will. Cynics might regard the brief as a charter for closures . What What chance a 7 mile branch to nowhere in happens then? People climb into their cars particular? When engineers discover that “the and drive them to their destinations. Not to waterproof decking membrane is found to have the stations that remain. We know this now. broken down. And cracks have developed.” The Governments of Scotland and Wales recognise It doesn’t take rocket science to realise that that what can be removed can be replaced. maintaining infrastructure like this is a costly affair And that rail has an increasing role within ..... justifiable only for a through route carrying transport infrastructure. the heavy traffic it was all designed to take. What will it take for an outbreak of common sense The Colne branch is pivotal to reopening ..... that recognises the many and varied proposals. SELRAP believes the only guarantee advantages to be gained by expanding the for its long term future is as a re opened rail network? And being proud to pay for it. As through route to Skipton and beyond. an investment in its taxpaying public. Like long term partners, each project needs the SELRAP will monitor [all] recommendations made other. Call it cooperation. Or interdependence. in the review. And, taking these into account, will With the potential for providing high quality joined lobby the DfT for the inclusion of rail up rail services across the region. And beyond. reopening within the remit for the HLOS. Together with the economic and social benefits known to follow in the wake of new rail initiatives. 8

FOR THE FUTURE

SELRAP’s campaign to see the Skipton-Colne railway reopened as part of the National Network

has met with spectacular success. To the extent that the question on the minds of most now is simply ..... When?

SO WHAT NEXT?

...... • A lateral look at funding for the project. • With an eye on “creating a bigger bang”, early discussions with Pendle Borough and Craven FORM FORM

MEMBERSHIP District Council point towards the establishment of an alliance or partnership. Both Authorities have declared support for re establishing the Skipton–Colne railway.

please the formrk, complete and • Ongoing engagement with Lancashire CC ..... for inclusion of SELRAP’s proposal within LTP 2.

Watch this space for further developments.

WHY DO WE DO IT?

A hundred years ago the nation’s rail network exceeded 20,000 route miles ..... serviced by

SELRAP. to Payable annually. ewable 7,000 stations. When the author was a youngster ...... enclosed Fee 5,000 stations serviced 17,000 route miles. And I enclose my membership fee of £5.00. £5.00. of fee membership my encloseI

unwaged, (retired, £3.00 Concessions most places were still accessible by rail. Currently 2,500 stations service just 11,000 route miles.

is understand, I student)– which, Put another way ….. 2,500 towns and villages Signature ...... Signature disconnected from the nation’s transport

infrastructure. Together with the social and economic benefits it afforded. In my lifetime.

SELRAP’s campaign is one of many pressure groups seeking to reverse just a few of those damaging closures. To join us, please make use of the membership form opposite. Homeloan Management Ltd Management Homeloan

Open committee meetings for 2006 ….. • Mon Jan. 9th@ 7.30pm St Stephens School, Gargrave Road, Skipton ad, Carr Hall, Carr ad,

olne reopened asofrailway National part Netwo the . . HML HML HML HML • Mon Mar. 13th @ 7.30 pm Open Door Centre (opposite Colne Town Hall) • Mon May 8th @7.30pm New Road East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership Action Rail Lancashire East e mail: [email protected] mail: e

- Community Centre, Earby. Phone ...... Phone...... Mobile • Mon July 10th @ 7.30pm St Stephens e mail ...... mail e ren heard you Pleasewhere us tell about SELRAP ...... SELRAPabout......

...... School, Gargrave Road, Skipton

RECONNECTINGYOUR REGION Skipton Supported by by Supported See SELRAP’s website www.selrap.org.uk for

more information on progress towards the

restoration of rails between Skipton and

Colne 690411 01282 Tel. CravenRail is edited by:

Andy Shackleton,

Higher Park Farm,

Kelbrook Road,

Barnoldswick,

Lancs.,

BB18 5TD

Tel 01282 814358 e mail [email protected]

If there are issues you wish to raise, or draw to the attention of the Executive Committee, please Address ...... Address ...... LancsBarrowford, 6DE BB9 toTo see SELRAP’ssupport – campaign C the Skipton ...... Name ...... Secretary: Membership Derek Jennings, 3 Hamilton Ro send send it our Secretary. toMembership Address below ......

make use of the contact details above.