New platform plan could help restore broken rail link

The team hoping to revive rail services to Thornton and Fleetwood have finalised proposals for a new station, just a few hundred yards away from the existing platforms.The plans, drawn up following a series of meetings with Network Rail, are seen as the best hope of restoring a link between the mothballed branch and the main line.Under the scheme a new platform would be built on the existing Poulton station with a step free walking link between the two.Poulton and Wyre Railway Society has drawn up the proposals following discussions with Network Rail, which is helping set up a steering group to push the plans forward.Eddie Fisher, president of the Poulton and Wyre Railway Society, said: “We have been working with Network Rail on this.“They have helped us to set up two steering groups, one to look at better parking provision for Fleetwood.“The other is to put together a group to look at this station plan and take it forward.“The link between the main line and the Fleetwood branch is being severed.“But we are looking at ways a platform could be built on the curve, where the line branches off, with a footpath linking our platform to the mainline station.“The proposal also includes extra parking spaces, which we hope Network Rail will fund out of the budget to upgrade the Blackpool to Preston line.”The plans are several years off fruition but work continues on preparing a small stretch of rail line for heritage services.Eddie said: “We can’t do anything until Network Rail hand the line over to us and we have our own safety certificate.“But we’re working to clear the line still and the platforms at Burn Naze are coming on well.“Work continues on the diesel train we hope to use to start services.“We are still raising cash, even if we raise our target we will still need more.”The society plans to begin by operating trains between Thornton and Burn Naze, extending to Poulton and Fleetwood when possible.