Plans to bring steam trains to Rochdale

East Lancashire Railway logo

Rochdale Council has pledged its support to re-open the Heywood-to-Castleton line as part of the East Lancashire Railway (ELR).

The council has now approached the East Lancashire Railway for preliminary talks.

A council spokesman said: “The council supports the extension of ELR through to Castleton and planning policy seeks to protect the retention of the existing rail link.

“While it would be premature at this stage to support the proposals for the site, the suggestions made are worthy of further exploration.

“The council would welcome discussions with ELR, Corus and other interested parties.”

Frank Salt, of Tomlinson Street, Castleton took took plans to the Castleton Area Forum in August, where he was backed by MP Jim Dobbin.

Mr Salt said: “I am very pleased with the positive response from the township committee and the report on the future of the Corus yard as a potential future tourist facility.

“I will be approaching Storm (Support the Oldham, Rochdale, Manchester line) to ask them for their assistance in furthering the plan and hope that a working group can be set up.

Issues that will now need to be tackled include financing the scheme, the agreement of Network Rail and the agreement or acquisition of land from the railway yard owners.