Destination Castleton

Corus at Castleton

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The former Corus site at Castleton could be earmarked for an extension of the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) tourist line through from Heywood to join up with Network Rail at Castleton Station.

In a report commissioned by the ELR Trust, Locum Consulting outline the opportunity and benefits both to the ELR and to Castleton Village that a link into the heart of Castleton, and to Rochdale Canal, could provide, that of re-establishing Castleton as a vibrant sustainable community.

The report recommends a dedicated project team is needed and urges Rochdale Borough Council to develop a destination strategy for Castleton alongside a project Masterplan.

The East Lancashire Light Railway Company, who have responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the railway, has stated that the extension to Castleton would be a “relatively straight-forward” process, however, they also advised that a sustained commitment will be required both in terms of project delivery and the need to establish future resources to capitalise on the opportunities that will present themselves as a result of the extension.

Talking to Rochdale Online, Castleton Councillor Ted Flynn said: "The future looks very bright if this forward vision can be achieved. It is something Castleton has been looking towards for many years and let’s hope we can make good use of the triangle between the three stations, that is, Castleton, Middleton and Heywood. I’m sure it is an area which could be exploited."

Rochdale Online Managing Director Pauline Journeaux wecolmed what she described as an "exciting idea" - Rochdale Online offices are in the heart of Castleton and Mrs Journeaux also lives in the village. She said: "Castleton is a great place to live and work but with the closures of Whipp & Bourne and Woolworth's Castleton has been hit hard recently. This project could help to revitalise and reinvigorate the village."