Historic Skipton-Colne railway line could be re-opened

A study has been commissioned to look into the reopening of a railway line between Skipton and Colne.

The 12-mile route, connecting Lancashire with North Yorkshire, last ran in 1970 and if reopened could lead to new services between Lancashire, Skipton and Leeds, BBC News reported.
The study is set to be completed later this year.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “I want this study to look clearly at the business case and value that the line could provide.”

The study is being co-commissioned by the Department for Transport and Transport for the North.

Cllr Keith Wakefield, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:“Transforming east-west links for passengers and freight across the North of England is one of the keys to unlocking the full economic potential of the Leeds City Region and a re-opened Skipton-Colne railway line could play a role.

“We welcome this feasibility study as a sensible step to better understand the financial and engineering implications as well as the economic and social benefits which could be delivered if this project was taken forward.”