Council Leader condemns rail electrification axing

Council Leader Richard Farnell

Rochdale Borough Council Leader Richard Farnell has accused the government of showing contempt for northern communities after electrification plans for a key TransPennine rail route were shelved.

The proposed multi-million pound project would provide faster journey times, better connectivity, more services and economic growth across the north west.

Instead the government has ditched its electrification plans for the TransPennine route, which links Manchester Piccadilly with Leeds via Huddersfield, leaving Councillor Farnell questioning its commitment to future investment in the Calder Valley line, which connects

Rochdale with Manchester Victoria, Leeds and other northern towns and cities.
Rail electrification was said to be an essential part of the northern powerhouse, with millions of pounds promised on transport projects for towns like Rochdale.

A recent study by the Institute of Public Policy Research North revealed that spending per head on rail was nearly treble in London compared to the north west.

Councillor Farnell said: “The government has dithered and delayed on its rail electrification plans for over two years. It’s now clear that the proposal is empty words, spin and deliberately ambiguous.

“It is yet another betrayal for northern towns and the social and economic impact for Rochdale will be considerable. I am now seeking urgent answers on government investment plans for the Calder Valley rail line, which are vital for our borough.

“Unfortunately, there is a pattern of behaviour here. Investment in the north is constantly promised, but never delivered. It’s called the northern powerhouse, but the government treats us like the northern poorhouse.

“Transport projects in the south east never seem to get dropped or delayed; it’s always northern towns that suffer. When it comes to investing in the north, the government really has gone off the rails.”