Pete Waterman’s ELR commuter service bid ‘not viable’, say bosses

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A recent bid by pop music mogul Pete Waterman to introduce commuter services onto the East Lancashire Railway line has been shunned, with bosses arguing such a change is ‘not viable’.

Record producer and avid train enthusiast Pete visited East Lancashire Railway (ELR) on 20 July in the hope of persuading people that restoring a commercial service onto the line would benefit the railway; as he jumped on a train from Bury to Rawtenstall.

East Lancashire Railway last operated a commercial commuter service back in 1972, and discussions have taken place with Local Authority partners and Transport for Greater Manchester over a number of years as to what role the railway can play in reducing congestion on the M66 motorway.

The ELR has operated as a volunteer-run tourist attraction since it was reopened in 1987, with bosses partaking in ongoing discussions regarding the possibility of a commuter service and an extension of the line to Castleton.

But, despite Pete’s attempts, it has been decided that protecting the current Heritage Railway whilst introducing a commercial line is not possible.

Local train enthusiast and STORM campaigner Frank Salt has been against the proposal from the outset, saying: “To put modern units onto the line would mean all vintage trains would have to be installed with Train Protection and Warning Systems. It’s far too expensive.”

Tony Young added: “Mr. Waterman should read the Transport for Greater Manchester report, which recommends improved bus services and traffic signal priority; not a rail service.”

East Lancashire Railway said: “Consultant’s reports indicate that the cost to benefit ratio for such a scheme is not viable.”

However, it looks to be full steam ahead for the much-discussed Castleton line extension, with bosses saying: “One of the key objectives is to extend the ELR to Castleton and provide a cross-platform interchange with Network Rail services on the Calder Valley Line, opening up the ELR to visitors by rail from West Yorkshire, and with the reinstatement of the Todmorden Curve, from East Lancashire.

“This extension will enable the ELR to provide a connecting service to the National Network which could be developed within the Heritage Railway context as demand and resources allow.”

Frank Salt and STORM are overjoyed with the development, saying: “It’s fantastic. The main push that it comes into Castleton is what we’ve been campaigning for.”