MP backs 'essential' new Fylde railway line ahead of Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has renewed his call for Government backing for the South Fylde passing loop.

His call comes just days after Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club, adjacent to the rail line, was awarded the Open Championship in 2028, to which smooth rail access will be crucial as thousands of spectators come to town.

The line, which connects Kirkham to Blackpool South via Lytham, Ansdell and Fairhaven and St Annes, is single track, restricting services to one an hour each way.

There has been a long-running campaign for a passing loop, which would double the frequency.

Mr Snowden warns Lancashire cannot be left behind as pressure on the local rail network grows and he has recently raised the issue at a meeting in Westminster with James Richardson, Managing Director of the TransPennine Route Upgrade.

The MP highlights the need to ensure major regional projects are properly supported by stronger local connections.

“It is fantastic news that The Open is returning to Royal Lytham and St Annes,” said Mr Snowden.

“It will bring huge opportunities for our area, but it also exposes a clear weakness in our transport network.

“With only one train an hour on the South Fylde line, we simply do not have the capacity to cope with the level of demand that major events like this will bring.

“More frequent services are essential and that can only be delivered with the South Fylde passing loop.”

The Fylde MP says that while major projects such as the TransPennine Route Upgrade are important, they must be backed by investment in local lines to maximise their impact.

“Upgrades like the TransPennine Route are welcome, but they only deliver their full benefit if people can actually get onto the network in the first place,” he said.

“Improving local lines like the South Fylde route would increase passenger numbers across the region as a whole. These are smaller, more straightforward schemes that are quicker to deliver and far more cost effective, but make a real difference to people’s daily lives.”

The Fylde MP also criticised the Government for scrapping the funding route for the scheme.

“One of the first things the Labour Government did was cancel the Restoring Your Railway Fund, which had provided a clear path to deliver this project. That decision pulled the rug from under our plans,” he said.

“Despite that, I am continuing to press this at the highest level and am working closely with Lancashire County Council to make the case for the project to be reconsidered as soon as possible.

“This is a cost effective and deliverable upgrade that would benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike.

“Lancashire cannot be overlooked and I will keep pushing until we get the investment our area deserves.”