Fylde rail line on track for key boost to services

Plans to double rail services on the South Fylde Line have taken a major step forward after a bid from MPs Mark Menzies and Scott Benton won Government backing and funding.
St Annes is among the stations on the South Fylde LineSt Annes is among the stations on the South Fylde Line
St Annes is among the stations on the South Fylde Line

The respective MPs for Fylde and Blackpool South lodged a Restoring Your Railway bid earlier this year, aimed at replacing the lost second rail on the line with a passing loop, which would allow an increase in services.

The bid, one of 51 lodged nationally, was confirmed as successful in the Chancellor’s Autumn Spending Review.

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Mr Menzies said: “This is great news. I have always campaigned for improvements to this line, and have long called for a passing loop or similar to enable us to increase services.

“Ever since the second line was removed in the mid-1980s, this line has declined. One service per hour is simply not enough for it to be a viable choice for commuters, students and visitors.

“Doubling services means better connections into the wider rail network and will help drive more visitors into our tourism economy.”

Mr Benton added: “This is a huge win. More services on this line will mean better options for residents – improving public transport puts more jobs, services and education within reach.

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“The reliability of this line has been appalling. Installing a passing loop will improve reliability as well as double services.

“We have a station at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of the country’s best and biggest tourism attractions, and it is unthinkable it is so poorly served. That is about to change.”

The Department for Transport will contact lead authority Fylde Council in the next few week to instigate the feasibility study, which will ascertain costing of the project.

The South Fylde Line runs from Preston to Blackpool South via Kirkham and Wesham and the MPs’ bid was backed by Lancashire County, Blackpool and Fylde Councils, Northern Rail and Network Rail, as well as business groups and employers including Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club, and Lytham Festival.

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Announcing the funding, rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “The scheme has continued to generate a high level of interest, with 51 applications received for this round. I am pleased to confirm that this application has been approved. Congratulations on progressing to the next stage. My officials and I very much look forward to working with you.”

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