Skipton-East Rail Action Partnership The campaign to reopen to campaign The AtAt aa GlanceGlancereopen to campaign The trains soon New the Skipton- the the Skipton-Colne the COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES CONNECTING CONNECTING THE NORTH THE THE NORTH THE railway line railway railway line railway ACROSS ACROSS The new service new The The new service new The East Lancashire East East Lancashire East scheme Skipton in here Colne www.selrap.org.uk will arrive in arrive will will arrive in arrive will you thought you you thought you sooner than sooner sooner than sooner 2019 2019 possible possible 2 At a Glance 2019 PROSPECTUS The campaign for the reopening of the former rail Another good idea is the recent publication of SELRAP’s line linking Skipton, North Yorkshire, with Colne, prospectus. Lancashire: This comprehensive glossy publication outlines the Where it’s at rationale for the new route, citing recent Where it’s headed studies that strongly support the FRONT COVER case for “our” line. And the The new Northern Link East-West economic advantages to be had route via Skipton and Colne will when the route is reopened: provide fast commuter capacity between East Lancashire and Situated close to stations with a Leeds, and features within TfN’s direct link to new employment Investment Programme. NB. See opportunities, densely populated page 3 for more on this. [post-industrial revolution] urban Reopening the Skipton to Colne line could also facilitate a much- parts of East Lancashire will attract needed trans-Pennine full W12 inward investment and, upgraded/ gauge-cleared rail freight and regenerated, will transform into diversionary route. “des-res”, yet affordable, housing New class 195 trains being introduced this year will replace areas. With all the trappings and the hated Pacers and transform services of a joined up + sustainable rail travel in The North. modern community. 195 pic: Paul Bigland photography Sincere thanks are due to the Skipton SKIPTON - COLNE: CLOSER THAN EVER Building Society for their support and expertise in producing this valuable In the last issue of At a Glance the writer cited a document. quote from someone famous. Quite what for, he There is heaps more ..... inclusive of both the practicalities couldn’t recall. The name was a mystery, too. And of reopening “our” line, and necessary upgrades to remains so. The quote, however, is unforgetable: existing adjacent lines in order to ensure that the new “Good ideas don’t go away!” “Northern Link” route is fit for purpose as a fast, efficient Proposals to see the Skipton to Colne rail line passenger route. And, crucially, the only option for a W12 reopened, as part the “Northern Link” East-West route gauge-cleared East-West trans-Pennine freight route. for passengers and freight have been around for the Timelines and costs for the construction programme are best part of an awful long while. And in all of also aired. SELRAP’s increasingly high profile 18 year campaign, Plainly, there is too much in SELRAP’s Prospectus to those proposals have not gone away. Indeed, like the summarise here. That said, it details all aspects of the snowball rolled downhill, those proposals have proposal to reopen the Skipton to Colne rail line as part of gathered pace and volume. It figures, then, that: the new “Northern Link”. SELRAP’s proposals must be a good idea! An e version is available via pasting the link below into SUCH A GOOD IDEA THAT your browser. Alternatively, hard copies can be had in ..... those proposals are supported by the highest in exchange for a small donation: get in touch with the editor the land. And, with the Secretary of State for for more on this. Transport weighing in at fully six feet five inches tall, http://www.selrap.org.uk/p1_project/20180905_ you cannot get much higher than Chris Grayling! prospectus_web_version.pdf Few will forget his visit to Colne station on February 3rd FROM THE CHAIR: last year. Or his announcement that the Government During the twelve months since the last edition of At a Glance, was to fund a full Feasibility Study that would also SELRAP has worked tirelessly with a number of partners, “look clearly at the business case and value that including the Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport for the North (TfN), to make remarkable progress in developing the the [Skipton to Colne] line could provide”. Skipton to Colne project. We have moved away from “why, maybe, and how?” ..... towards solutions for the challenges of “when, and how much?”. Up until now, we have kept this success story out of the media: a policy we will probably soon have to change. During a briefing held in Westminster last September, attended by all our local MP’s, business supporters and county councils, one high profile delegate said: “we are supporting this project not just because it will be good for the local community; nor because it will be good for this company’s operations. We are supporting both SELRAP and the Skipton to Colne project since it is now very obvious that this will be a very good project benefitting all of The North”. The senior executive who said that is employed by one of the UK’s most important companies. Throughout all of last year, local politicians from both sides of the great political divide ..... by which I mean Lancashire and Pendle MP, Andrew Stephenson, shows the Secretary of State for Yorkshire ..... have all been working together to support us. Transport where the new line will be constructed beyond Colne. Credit: 5 Little Boys PhotographyCr Quite simply, during what was a very busy year [for other reasons!] we at SELRAP could not have asked for more from any The Secretary of State for Transport plainly of our local representatives; be they constituency MP, local considered that reopening the Skipton to Colne rail councillor, or member of the House of Lords. Each and every one line as part of a new East-West “Northern Link” for of them somehow always found [or made] time to help us ..... passengers and freight to be such a good idea that, no matter how urgent were other, very pressing, demands on less than 12 months later, he called at Colne station their precious time. As SELRAP’s chair, I want to take this rare opportunity to thank them all for their continuing support. a second time. Where he spoke of the fact that the study has established that the proposals are This is now a crucial stage in the campaign: the most important technically feasible ..... adding that: period of the last two decades. In some respects, it is the best of times: in another important respect, the worst of times .…. so “I am personally committed to reopening the please read on ..… to see what has been achieved ..… and, most Colne to Skipton line as an alternative route importantly, to find out what needs to happen next .…. across the Pennines .....”. More on this later: Ed. Peter Bryson, 2019 3 TRANSPORT FOR THE NORTH SELRAP PROJECT DEVELOPMENT TEAM ..... has the mandate to advise the Government on Established in 2017, the team is tasked with the transport priorities required to drive inclusive, exploring the options available for progressing the sustainable economic growth across the North. reinstatement of the Skipton to Colne rail line as part TfN is ’s first Sub-National Transport Body. of a new “Northern Link”. Hosted at corporate venues And, with statutory status, it represents 20 including Arup, Transport for the North, Peel Ports, transport authority members across the North. Drax Power and the Skipton Building Society, With a vision of “A thriving North of England, where bi-monthly [day-long] meetings of the group are world class transport supports sustainable economic chaired by SELRAP. Their ongoing brief including: opportunity for all”, TfN recently completed its long- ● Defining the scope of the proposals centred on the awaited Strategic Transport Plan. Skipton to Colne line Outlined within the Plan are seven strategic develop- ● The practicalities involved in re-building the line ment “corridors” that reflect economic links across the ● Passenger service options North. “Gaps” between demand and current ● Use of the [wider] route for freight traffic performance where there is likely to be the most ● Engagement with appropriate Authorities potential for connecting economic assets and clusters are highlighted.

Hosted in the boardroom of the HQ of the Skipton Building Society in February 2019, delegates representing the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Arriva Northern [TOC], Drax Power, Peel Ports, Arup, Amey, Arcus and, of course, “The Skipton“ are pictured listening to a presentation from TfN. Representatives routinely leave meetings with “to do” lists, and are asked to report on their findings the next time the team convenes. These have included draft On the basis that it enhances East-West strategic connections options for passenger service provision on the new across the North to support UK competitiveness and to improve route, costings for gauge clearance and upgrades to connectivity between East Lancashire and North/West Yorkshire, adjacent lines to the East & West of Skipton and Colne. reinstatement of the Skipton to Colne line is flagged up within TfN’s Investment Programme that parallels its recently- And the nature, pattern and anticipated volume of published Strategic Transport Plan ..... for completion before freight traffic that might use the new route ..... 2027. It is also the only rail reopening scheme to feature including its potential impact on passenger services. within TfN’s Central Pennines Corridor study. Together with the new route’s “fit” within existing Under the heading: “Key areas of delivery”, TfN adjacent networks. promises “a transformational programme of rail Readers should be under no illusion: Project investment in lines, stations, services and Development Team members are all senior franchises ..... to deliver greater connectivity, professionals with highly responsible roles within the capacity and cost effectiveness”. organisations they represent. And they choose to Skipton to Colne proposals tick just about all of TfN’s take regular away days with SELRAP. That’s how boxes ..... and more besides: think about it! seriously proposals to see the reopening of the Skipton to Colne rail line ..... thus completing the See the full report via this link: “Northern Link” East-West trans-Pennine route for https://transportforthenorth.com/onenorth/ passengers and freight ..... are being taken. IT’S CONNECTIVITY AND CAPACITY THAT CAN’T COME SOON ENOUGH ..... ‘cos it is a fact that, last year, 1.72 billion passenger journeys were made on to the nation’s 10,000 mile rail network. Significantly, it is also a fact that this highest-ever [double that of twenty years ago] number of journeys were squeezed on to a network less than half the size it was at its peak. There being more miles of closed rail lines than those currently in service. All too many of the latter having been “simplified” in the age of rail shrinkage. The unsignalled siding that passes for the Colne branch being the classic example of the latter ..... with Reopening the Skipton to Colne line will complete a brand new pan- passenger facilities and numbers to match. northern route. A route with the potential to facilitate not only commuter Growing road congestion, a marked change in travel services between East Lancashire and Leeds, but direct connections to key northern cities and the East + West Coast Main Lines. to work patterns, and increased affluence, are cited as just some of the reasons for the spectacular No surprise then, that at a recent meeting in growth in passenger numbers. The result, as all too Westminster, proposals to reopen the Skipton many travellers will tell you, is routine overcrowding to Colne line were described by a senior TfN on trains. We need more lines to put them on! representative as a “no brainer”! 4 THE LEGALS BUT THAT’S JUST THE START Since the Skipton to Colne line has been closed for almost ..... ‘cos included within the “full works” option as fifty years there are more than several formal prodedures per the previous paragraph would be station to be ploughed through before it can be re-constructed as upgrades throughout. Colne, Nelson, and an operational railway. Burnley Central would be refurbished with twin At a recent meeting with a specialist Network Rail team platforms and facilities to match attractive train and [environmental consultants] Arcus, SELRAP was services fit for the 21st century. briefed on the processes involved in obtaining the necessary consents for construction, maintenance and This latter option would also have the added operation of “our” line. advantage of completing a W12 gauge-cleared “Northern Link” East-West [port to port] route. SELRAP is advised that those necessary procedures will Indeed, the only ..... and increasingly urgently- include a Development Consent Order (DCO) ..... with needed ..... trans-Pennine route capable of handling powers [typically] including those to: confer planning not only fast passenger services ..... commuters et al permission; authorise permanent/temporary acquisition ..... but all classes of freight. of land; divert and/or protect utililities; carry out highway works; close accommodation crossings ..... and more. As outlined on the previous page, included within Stakeholders’ consultation typically includes the local the remit for SELRAP’s Project Development Team community, local [and planning + highways] authorities, are investigations into the costings for, and the Councillors, MPs, and more. And takes place as practicalities of, reopening the Skipton to Colne line. engineering options develop. Public inquiries ensure But there is more: the remit for those investigations transparency throughout. included modernisation of the section from Colne to All of this being further confirmation of how advanced are Gannow Junction, and upgrades to linking rail lines proposals to reopen the Skipton to Colne rail line: Ed. from Wigan to Whitehall Junction in Leeds.

THE RAIL NETWORK ENHANCEMENT PIPELINE ..... NETWORK RAIL ..... is a programme of investment based around five ..... has undertaken those investigations into stages [above] of activity. At the end of each stage a preliminary design, scoping and initial pricing re the decision to proceed [or not!] to the next one is made. works as described. And concluded that these are Increasing levels of detail + understanding are to be mostly track and signalling issues. found within the “Determine”, “Develop”, and “Design” CRUCIALLY stages. By the time “Deliver” + “Deploy” (construction ..... Network Rail also concluded that: and operation) are reached, all decisions will have been taken. Proposals to reopen the Skipton to Colne line are There are no showstoppers to creation of the currently at the “Determine” stage. Northern Link East-West route via Skipton and FYI, RNEP is [sort of; in some cases] sequel to the Colne ..... inclusive of those routinely cited by convoluted, costly and time-consuming GRIP process. critics of the Northern Link proposals: FEASIBILITY STUDY: THE BRIEF: ● Farrington Junction, a little south of Preston, where the diverges from the West Coast Main “To look clearly at the business case and value that Line can be upgraded to 50mph crossover by freight the [Skipton to Colne] line could provide” trains ..... thus clearing WCML passenger services quickly ie. a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) ● Paths for freight exist at Whitehall Junction outwith Leeds Shortly after the study was announced, the DfT ● And get this: the permanent 10mph speed restriction for commissioned [consultants] Steer (formerly Steer, Accrington viaduct is NOT because of its structural Davies, Gleave) to carry it out. Early on, SELRAP met condition: it is because the platform edge at Accrington with Steer, the DfT, and Drax Power ..... the latter station sticks out too far and fast freight stock passing having a vested interest in the new East-West route. through might catch it! Steer representatives also attended meetings of Simple solution: cut back platform edge! SELRAP’s Project Development Team [as per page 3]. From the outset, Steer made a number of key DfT’s STUDY assumptions ..... summarised below: ..... confirmed the view of civil engineers who have ● At least one new station to be provided between Skipton and toured the route of “our” line with SELRAP. And saw Colne ..... with two platforms “only solutions, not problems”. ● No level crossings along route Concerning the 5 x civil engineering “hotspots”, ● Target speed for route is at least 80mph Steer’s initial suggestions are that: ● Train length to be acommodated is 4 car x 23m (92m) ● Vivary Way, in Colne, be lowered beneath a new ● Passive provision for overhead electrification viaduct carrying the railway ● Gauge clearance to W12 ● Route availability to be equivalent to RA10 - to acommodate ● A new bridge be constructed to take the railway all classes of freight over the canal at Foulridge* ● Preferred gradients to be 1 in 120 (or 1 in 100 worst case) ● There are a number of practical options for taking ● The gas main in the corridor between Foulridge and Thornton the railway through ..... inclusive of the in Craven to be moved outside the railway boundary potential realignment of some roads (as done at MANIFOLD OPTIONS countless locations on the Borders Railway) .....have been floated ..... from a single line rebuild of the ● A new bridge + river Aire flood plain avoidance route between Skipton and Colne supporting simply a scheme be constructed at Heslaker Lane, Carleton basic passenger shuttle service between the 2 x towns ● There is sufficient headroom for the railway to ..... to a double track [electrified] rebuild of the latter + pass beneath the A629 Skipton bypass via a new re-doubling of the [singled] branch line to Burnley ..... and underbridge on the original trackbed. upgrades of adjacent lines to the East and West. *Which finally puts to bed the comment made by a Local Councillor following a presentation the Editor gave a number of years back: “Tha can’t put t’railway back; t’canal bridge’s down”!! 5

SKIPTON - COLNE: A ROUTE FOR ALL USERS A REALISTIC PEEK AT THE FUTURE Consider the benefits on offer: A future with a railway station close to Earby town centre. One with ample park + ride facilities and ● Economists recognise that the wider economic shuttle bus connections to nearby Barnoldsick and benefits due to an improved transport offer is equal the wider district. to roughly three/four times the revenue from those services. In short, metamorphosis for the 20,000 who live there ..... to that of a thoroughly modern living and ● Nine million passengers use the Airedale line working community that’s joined up to the rest of annually. Consider the line’s economic impact on the nation by fast, frequent, attractive and reliable that corridor directly related to those travellers’ services like those currently serving Skipton. The combined revenue ..... services used day in, day out, by commuters, ..... and paste it on to East Lancashire! shoppers, evening outers and trippers alike.

● As a result of a major initiative from Hyndburn FAST FORWARD Borough Council, the proposal now includes direct You walk to the station in good time. Time enough to services to Accrington. note that the whole site has begun to take on a timeless aura. Time enough to wonder how Earby managed with- ● Facilitates a new commuter route with a journey out a rail service for more than fifty years. For, waiting time of under an hour linking parts of economically- beside you in the simple but comfortable shelter are deprived East Lancashire with employment dozens more people ….. many bound for work in Skipton opportunities in North+West Yorkshire and Leeds. and beyond ….. some, like you, on their regular commute to Leeds. You recognise the Jacksons from number 16 ….. ● Substantial economic benefits within East they’re waiting on the opposite platform for the train to Lancashire to be had as a result of increased Manchester Airport. Off to Florida for a fortnight. Shelia, earnings in Leeds area brought back + spent in the the girl from just down the road works for an insurance company in Manchester. Her partner, Gary, will be going area’s shops, businesses, housing services et al ..... as far as Burnley. ● 75% of all commuter traffic in the Airedale corridor There’s quite a crowd now, as the buses from travels by [electrified] rail ..... the line being the Barnoldswick and other outlying areas arrive. With easy access, space to carry prams, bicycles and large luggage, most heavily used commuter route outwith London it’s surprising no one thought of them before. But then, a + the South East of England. Paste those statistics lot has changed for the better since the railway reopened. on to East Lancashire; stand back ..... and picture No longer that place somewhere between ….. Earby has the wider economic impact on the area. quite taken up with the idea of being joined up to the rest of the country. ● An alternative [and shorter] route from North + Then, almost before you’ve had time to consider all those West Yorkshire to Manchester and its international changes, the modern four car train that’ll take you to Leeds airport ..... via interchange at Burnley RoseGrove. in less than fifty minutes is whisking along at a fine pace The maps above + on page 3 say it all. on the eight minute hop to Skipton. The rest is up to you, the reader! ● Offers a non-car route for visitors/tourists from the North West of England wishing to visit popular parts BACK FROM YOUR VISIT of North and West Yorkshire; Craven District, ..... to the future of the town, the reality is that Bronte Country et al. threading the Skipton to Colne line through Earby ● Direct connections to four of the six “Core Cities” cited presents a number of issues and raises the rightful within proposals for Northern Powerhouse Rail: Liverpool, concerns of its residents. The DfT is aware of Manchester, Leeds + Hull ..... and interchange to residents’ concerns, and has issued guidance on Sheffield + Newcastle. And, long term, there has to procedure. It can be found via this link: be the possibility of pathing longer distance services https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/a along the new route. pplication-process/the-process/ ON NEW PASSENGER SERVICES ..... At this point in proceedings it has to be said that, From moment one, SELRAP’s conjecture has been that until the full engineering study [as per page 6] is twice-hourly services on the Skipton to Colne line conducted, and practical options for taking the new would be offered by simple extension of some of the railway through the town, with potential station Leeds to Skipton services that currently terminate in sites floated, views on how the new rail line will the latter to new turnaround facilities in Burnley or affect residents are purely speculative. Until that Accrington. Accordingly, there will be no need for work is undertaken, realignment of some roads ..... further paths on the Airedale line ..... making the as at countless locations on the recently-reopened proposed new service not only a highly-desirable Borders Railway ..... is, perhaps, the only certainty. commuter option that will open up employment ANOTHER CERTAINTY opportunities for the population of East Lancashire...... is a firm grip on the advantages of having a rail But one that is both practical and doable the moment connection by all ..... ardent critics of the scheme et the Skipton to Colne line is reinstated. al. Who have made it clear that they are not DfT have taken the “line” that alternate services could against the rail line per se: they simply seek to continue to Preston. That said, it is early days yet: ensure that all options are explored. And that the the best advice might be to watch this space. new line benefits most, whilst impacting negatively the least. That way, everyone’s a winner: Ed. 6

BUT THERE’S MORE ..... A WHOLE LOT MORE WORTH CONSIDERING The traditional role for rail, as many readers will be ..... at this point is the fact that the recently- aware, was freight haulage. Much of that traffic being announced £2.9 billion [five year] upgrade to the coal. Whilst pickup goods services called at small yards “Diggle” trans-Pennine route does not include attached to most-every railway station in the land. scraping out the 3 mile Standedge tunnel to allow for electrification throughout and clearance for Complete with driver, fireman, guard and shunters, that W12 gauge freight. That’s fine for the proposed means of carting stuff around the country was plainly increase in passenger services using fast bi-mode unsustainable as the nation’s businesses turned to road trains. And standard height freight will continue transport. And we all know what’s become of coal traffic. to use the route ..... assuming paths can be found Daft as it may sound, it was none other than the much- within increasingly intensive passenger services. maligned Dr Beeching ..... who will be remembered for Meanwhile the only viable alternative for trans- his slash and burn policy insofar as all too many Pennine high cube container traffic is the M62 passenger services were concerned ..... who was “lorry park” ..... CO2/NOX emissions et al ..... responsible for dramatically modernising rail freight. GO ON: WORK IT OUT WITH BEECHING’S VISION Ahead of me already: the case for freight via Skipton ..... and the promotion of rail for long-distance bulk and Colne just got stronger. The more so, having haulage, fifty years on, much of the UK’s rail freight traffic taken a second peek at the map on page 3. And given serious consideration to the fact that the is transported in containers unloaded direct from foreign Northern Link [via Skipton and Colne] will be the parts at our major ports. lowest-graded [near tunnel-free] trans-Pennine route; LIVERPOOL2, THE LARGEST PORT IN NORTHERN a substantial chunk of which is already electrified. ENGLAND THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO SAY THIS: ..... is well known to be ideally located for inter-continental From moment one, SELRAP has urged the need for a deep-sea container traffic ..... for onward transit to full engineering study to be carried out on the new- build Skipton to Colne section of the route. The cost destinations throughout the North of England, and of this on the ground study would be a tiny fraction beyond. And cuts out entirely-avoidable use of southern of the cost overruns on ongoing rail projects in the ports for transit north on congested road and rail routes. South of England. And determine on the ground [as opposed to desktop, finger in the air stuff] practical Additionally, container traffic travelling from Ireland for detail + costs that will enable a true assesment of transit across the UK to ultimate destinations in Europe is the business case for the project to be made. routinely “land-bridged” [West-East] across the North of Without it, the writer is minded of the shopper who goes into a store with no notion of what he/she England to East Coast ports. wants to purchase. Yet demands to know how much THE PROBLEM WITH THE LATTER that purchase will cost. Quite daft!: Ed ..... is the fact that in order to ship the most modern [high A GAUGE-CLEARED NORTHERN LINK cube] containers by rail, routes have to be cleared to the ..... East-West trans-Pennine route [via Skipton and “tall” W12 gauge. And currently there is no West to East Colne] for all classes of traffic presents a powerful rail route cleared for W12 gauge running across the argument. So powerful it’s caught the eye of the Pennines. Indeed, to transit “tall” containers between nation’s transport gurus. One, perhaps, to tease Liverpool and Hull, a distance of approximately 130 miles, them out of the corner there are those saying they’ve a detour well in excess of 100 miles is required ..... via the painted themselves into re trans-Pennine freight. Midlands ..... or even further via Scotland! The Northern Link also offers a diversionary route in the event of perturbation [for whatever reason] to Adding to the difficulties for the rail freight industry is the services on other [ever-busier] trans-Pennine routes. fact that shipping freight [including “low cube” container traffic] across the Pennine traffic on existing routes all too AT THIS POINT IT’S ALSO often means transiting Manchester. See below: ..... worth considering that most freight [and all passenger] traffic could use the Skipton to Colne route immediately it is reopened. Including the UK’s biggest rail freight customer; Drax Power. Producing up to 10% of UK power using biomass fuel in four out of its six generators Drax ensures that the lights stay on. As outlined earlier, the company’s Biomass trains currently take a convoluted 130 mile route that means a journey time of up to a whopping 11 hours from the port of Liverpool! A three hour transit time is on offer via Skipton and Colne. Together with substantial savings on crew time, track access charges and efficient use of stock. HANDS UP; THIS WON’T PLEASE EVERYONE ..... but might this be the point in proceedings to consider the virtue of the “all or nothing” Platform 13, Manchester Piccadilly station ..... clogged with a [low cube] approach? Word has it that costs for Skipton- container train ..... as passengers wait for their delayed services. Colne per se have passed muster. Upgrades + Trans-Pennine freight via Skipton + Colne will avoid Manchester. what’s been bolted on to them being cited as a costings (see page 7 for more on this) issue. ACCORDINGLY, WHILST IT IS A FACT THAT Fact is that most of the benefits of the Northern ..... nationwide, fully 25% of container traffic leaves ports Link scheme are to be had the moment the by rail, it is also a fact that, for the reasons outlined above, Skipton to Colne section is reopened. The entire the figure for trans-Pennine high cube [modern] container East-West route being immediately available for rail traffic can be rounded up ..... you have it in one ..... to that vital commuter traffic and most freight. a big fat Zero! The result, typically clogging up the only Upgrades to allow W12 traffic would follow. modern trans-Pennine alternative: the notorious M62. The major plus being that “our” line gets reopened sooner rather than later: Ed. 7 NETWORK RAIL FIGURES UPON COMPLETION OF THAT INDEPENDENT As per flagged up on page 4, throughout 2018 Network STUDY ..... Rail [on behalf of the Department for Transport] ..... SELRAP hosted a two-day workshop to examined a number of budget scenarios for the Skipton review initial design[s] + detailed costs for all to Colne / Northern Link project. requirements throughout the entire route of the What has become clear is that, like Topsy, the young Skipton to Colne line, and compare them with slave girl who pops up in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s those of Network Rail’s budget. novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” published in 1852, Skipton Coordinated by SELRAP, senior representatives to Colne rail reopening proposals have “just growed”. from Steer [DfT consultants] and Network Rail, together with SELRAP’s independent QS made a IT’S A MAJOR CONUNDRUM detailed analysis of all infrastructructure ..... the downside of the project having “just growed” requirements throughout the Skipton to Colne being that “gold plating” by Network Rail poses a route ..... from major structures inclusive of potential risk to reopening the 12 mile long Skipton to those required to cross Vivary Way in Colne and Colne section per se. to pass beneath the Skipton bypass, to the This, to the extent that, in a worst case scenario, it complex roadworks around Earby, single farm could wind up as a good idea that’s headed for the long access crossings and [minimum requirement] grass as huge guesstimated ..... for that is all we have passive provision for W12 gauge and 25kV right now ..... add-on costs for modernising dilapidated electrification. railway lines across all of Lancashre that have been In fairness, it has to be said that both parties bolted onto this project could very easily put paid to the broadly agreed on the direct construction costs immediately delverable [and simple] Skipton to Colne for the Skipton to Colne section ..... dictated by line reopening proposal. the scope of work required. Thus the risk that the well-known, and now well-proven, The key difference being the percentage added social and economic benefits that would follow on for risk/contingency, project management, completion of the new line linking East Lancashire with design, contractor preliminaries and overheads. Leeds/North+West Yorkshire/beyond could be severely The “add on” figure by SELRAP’s QS re those delayed. Or worse! unavoidable fees being in the region of just 20%: in marked contrast to NR’s figure ..... being at NETWORK RAIL’S BUDGETS considerable variance to the latter. Added to ..... for the several options/interventions outlined which is the simply staggering 66% [optimism above panned out at somewhere between eye- bias] referred to earlier. watering and off the scale. Latterly, delegates were joined by a senior representative from the DfT. Who made clear the Department’s view that Network Rail’s inflated add ons meant their figures were simply too high! AN ALTERNATIVE MARKET-LED PROPOSAL The latter, then, being the catalyst for a decision by SELRAP’s Executive Committee to explore the option to take the new build 12 mile section of the Skipton to Colne project forward on the basis of a design, build, transfer project (DBT) ..... managed by a third party. And all in accordance with the DfT requirements. Coordinated by SELRAP this work is ongoing via well known consultants and civil engineering companies. The Network Rail made a presentation to the Project Development Department for Transport has been involved with Group outlining + costing interventions deemed necessary to this Market Led Proposal [MLP] initiative from support a range of options for re-opening the Skipton to Colne line. moment one, and eagerly awaits further Naturally, figures have to include not only actual developments re the Skipton to Colne section of construction costs, but management and design fees, the Northern Link. too. That said, since proposals are at an early stage, IS THIS THE MOMENT, PERHAPS Network Rail is obliged to factor into those figures a ..... that the DfT needs to reconsider the inclusion “risk allowance”. For posh it’s called “optimism bias”. of each and every one of the upgrades to adjacent Call it what you will, it adds up to 66% to NR’s lines within the umbrella costs for the whole estimated costs. And goes part way towards Northern Link East-West route. explaining why their costs are so high. In defence of the policy, it has to be said that, as proposals develop This conjecture ..... on the basis that many of those and move away from early stage desktop exercises self-same upgrades ..... to junctions, bridges, towards on the ground design[s], those risk elements structures, stations, and the rest [including those on reduce. As do those withering estimates. the current Colne branch] need to be carried out regardless of the fact that the Northern Link is in the ANTICIPATING THIS ARTIFICIAL BUMP-UP frame. Putting right five decades of dilapidation ..... of costs. And aware that the new-build Skipton to on operational railway lines in Lancashire for the Colne section is effectively a greenfield site and benefit of the entire comunity should not be therefore not [currently] within Network Rail’s added to the tab for the Skipton to Colne project. jurisdiction ..... SELRAP had made an earlier decision THE TRICK, THEN to commission a well known Quantity Surveyor to carry ..... is to steer an urgently-realisable path between out an independent study into costs for rebuilding that gold plating Northern Link proposals to the point section and [re]connecting it existing lines at Skipton where costs blow the project out of the water ..... and Colne. and the urgent social + economic need for of a It would not be appropriate to name names at this large chunk of the population of the East point in proceedings; suffice to say that SELRAP’s Lancashire to be reconnected to North/West independent QS is widely known within the rail Yorkshire. Together with the spin off benefits which industry and its political minders. With a reputation to are known to follow hard on the heels of major match. transport infrastructure projects. 8 SELRAP IN WESTMINSTER ..... AGAIN BUT HERE’S THE RUB Further confirmation of just how seriously SELRAP’s Whilst the SoS described the case for passenger sevices proposals are being taken was the ‘phone call from the as “a given”, he also made it clear that progressing the office of Andrew Stephenson MP [for Pendle] to the Editor project to the “Develop” stage of the RNEP is subject to ..... in his capacity as Communications Officer. When he the outcome of further [currently ongoing] study into the learned that a room was booked in Westminster for a demand for freight services on the Northern Link ..... and meeting in September [2018] ..... in one month’s time! a review of its costs.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, paid a second visit to Colne station in January 2019. He is pictured together with Andrew Stephenson MP and Lancashire County + Pendle Borough Councillors. 9 local MPs and/or their representatives attended the Westminster meeting. Together with 16 senior representatives from the DfT, SELRAP looks forward to a decision to progress to the TfN, Network Rail, Arriva Northern [TOC], Peel Ports, Drax Power, “Develop” stage. When detailed work will be undertaken the Skipton Building Society, Amey, Arup, Lancashire + North in order to firm up the anticipated benefits the project Yorkshire CCs, Craven DC and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. will bring. And to gain more understanding of what is Andrew Stephenson and John Grogan are front right. required. Inclusive of detailed surveys and engineering Tasked with reviewing the progress of the [then] design in order to firm up costs and timescales. ongoing Feasibility Study, and further-examining the options for fast-tracking the reopening of the Skipton FINALLY, IT’S WORTH REMEMBERING THAT to Colne line, the meeting would be sequel to the one ..... the Skipton-Colne rail project has cross party support held in Westminster in November 2017. and that, as such, the case continues to stack up. Cross-party co-hosted by Andrew and [MP for Keighley] John Grogan, SELRAP was charged with coordinating invitations to the meeting, and chairing it. SELRAP’S PRESENTATION ...... focussed on the key benefits of housing, economic Lancashire County Councillor growth and regeneration. This was followed by Azhar Ali is pictured on Colne presentations from Transport for the North ..... on rail station with Peter Dowd MP. progress re the [then ongoing] corridor study. And Peel Ports, Liverpool is situated within Mr Dowd’s another by the Department for Transport: an update on Parliamentary Constituency. the [Skipton to Colne] Feasibility Study. Indeed, shortly after the visit to Colne station by the SoS All MPs with Parliamentary constituencies within the wider for Transport, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the corridor of “our” line were represented at the meeting. Treasury met there with County Councillor Azhar Ali ..... The fact that all those pictured above took time out from where he reiterated his party’s pledge: ”not only to busy schedules to attend a meeting chaired by SELRAP in fully fund the reopening of the [Skipton to Colne] Westminster sends a powerful message to those with the line, but to ensure that it is electrified and open for power to say “yes” to reopening the Skipton to Colne rail passenger rail”. line as part of the Northern Link. The project is also supported by Lancashire + North These quotes from that crucial meeting say it all: Yorkshire County Councils and the West Yorkshire ● DfT: “There’s a strong case for both passenger and freight”. Combined Authorities. “No significant showstoppers”. WHAT NEXT? ● Amey: “As a railway engineer with 30 years experience, I walked the route of the Skipton to Colne line recently, and see The Secretary of State for Transport suggested that no insurmountable engineering issues”. work on the Skipton to Colne line project could start ● Network Rail: “Completion by back end of 2020 – 2025 period by the early to mid ‘20s. TfN’s Investment is realistic”. Programme bills it for reopening “before 2027”. ● Skipton Building Society: “The Northern Link [via Skipton and Colne] will enable staff to buy affordable homes and commute That said, there remains a whole heap of lobbying to to work”. do before trains can run on it. ● Arup: “This is a good way of tackling the housing shortage”. Care to help? Then, contact your MP! ● Arriva Northern [TOC]: “We need firm time lines for delivering this project”. MEMBERS’ MEETINGS: open to the public. All @ 7.00pm ● TfN: “There could be a 50-60% increase in trans-Pennine freight”. ● Mon. 8th July 2019: New Road Community Centre, Earby. ● Drax Power: “The biomass traffic is important, but even more ● Mon. 9th September 2019: Crown Hotel, Albert Road, Colne important are the wider benefits for the North as a whole“. ● Mon. 11th November 2019: Herriots Hotel, Broughton Road, ● Peel Ports: “Get the Skipton to Colne Project delivered! The Skipton M62 is a lorry park. There does not appear to be a Plan B”. ● Mon. 13th January 2020: New Road Community Centre, Earby. THE PROJECT AS OF NOW ● Mon. 9th March 2020; Annual General Meeting: Municipal As outlined earlier, the Secretary of State for Transport Hall, Albert Road, Colne has paid a second visit to Colne. Where he told of the fact that the study found that Northern Link proposals At a Glance is edited by: Step outside the box with SELRAP: via Skipton and Colne were “Technically Feasible”. He Andy Shackleton also owned up to being “personally committed” to 10 Townhead Avenue ‘Cos: Skipton to Colne reopening proposals; that £400 Settle If you only do what million of Government money was available. And that North Yorkshire you’ve always done ..... work on reopening the line could start in the early to BD24 9RQ You’ll only get what mid 2020s. e mail: [email protected] you’ve always had .....

facebook.com/reopenskiptontocolne twitter.com/skiptontocolne SELRAP’s only source of regular income is via membership fees. Supporters will appreciate that costs for running our increasingly high profile campaign are not inconsiderable. You could help further by making a donation ..... AS THOUGH YOU’D NEED REMINDING whether you are a member of SELRAP or not...... over the years, Skipton to Colne rail line You might also care to further-boost the strong reopening proposals have headlined within a message that SELRAP’s current membership of over whole heap of studies. The most recent 500 makes ..... and add to it by joining us. You can do feature below ..... together with a brief this by completing the application form below. summation of their relevance to “our” line. Members are welcome to participate in all open meet- ings. Also, we are always on the lookout for people with the skills and experience to strengthen the committee.

March 2017: Name Skipton-Colne line would ...... “in effect join two discrete parts of the rail network and provide a more Address coherent network across the ...... study area as a whole” Reopening the Skipton to Colne line translates to a ...... £43.5million increase in Gross Domestic Product PA

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‘phone ...... February 2019: A summary of TfN’s e mail Strategic Transport Plan...... Parallel publications from TfN [as per page 3] flag up ● I agree that SELRAP may use my contact reopening the Skipton to details to keep me updated and in touch with Colne line before 2027. the campaign by: The header for TfN’s publication has a familiar [please circle preferences] post, email, ‘phone ring: coincidentally it’s also SELRAP’s newsletter!

Signature ......

Fee enclosed ......

Date ...... At the time of writing, the recently-completed Annual subscription: Strategic Outline Business Ordinary member: £8.00 Case + Feasibility Study that was commissioned by the Concession (retired, unwaged, student) £5.00 Government has not been Life membership £60.00 made public. Group affiliation £15.00 Beyond learning that consultants have found ● Cheques payable to SELRAP: send to our the Skipton-Colne project to be “technically Membership Secretary (see below) feasible”, and hints from TfN that the report is ● Bank transfers: sort code: 05-03-83 account: “promising”, the fact remains that, to date, 34689554: use surname/postcode as a the report has not been made public ..... on reference the grounds that it contains commercially sensitive information. Readers will, doubtless, ● Membership Secretary: Derek Jennings, draw their own conclusions from this apparent 3 Hamilton Road, Carr Hall, , lack of transparency. Lancs. BB96DE That said, SELRAP ..... and members of the email: [email protected] Project Development Team [as per page 3 ..... Data Protection Officer: David Walsh, freight users/operators et al] who assisted 38 Western Road, Skipton BD23 2RU consultants with the SOBC/Feasibility Study ..... look forward to the opportunity to make email: [email protected] meaningful contributions to the further study Data protection policy from: Membership Secretary, Data ..... which is set to be concluded “later this year”. Protection Officer, or website www.selrap.org.uk (members page). ● It is now make your mind up time for DfT and TfN re a decision to [jointly] progress the You can cancel your consent to use your data at any time by contacting our Membership Secretary. Skipton to Colne project to the next stage. Note that cancelling ALL consents will cancel membership ● Progressing [and being seen to be progressing and vice versa. without delay] the Skipton to Colne project will demonste that the Government is serious Information Commissioner Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF tel: 0303 123 1113 web: about funding availability for urgently needed https//ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/ infrastructure projects across The North. ● Progressing the Skipton-Colne project is a Send any queries about how we handle your data to our quick win ..... and will kick-start the much Data Protection Officer. If not satisfied, contact the Information Commissioner's Office. talked about, but as of yet notional, Northern Powerhouse.

AaG 2019