| Previous Section | Index | Home Page |
Chris Mole:
I can only be as positive as I can about the scheme and its prospects. Indeed, my hon. Friend's ninth question was about what needed to be done in order for this to be achieved as quickly as possible. The road map needs to be developed by Burnley borough council, which is the main promoter, with Network Rail
and Northern Rail. The Department is more than happy to provide any guidance to the promoters, as we have been doing up until now.
My hon. Friend's final question was to ask if I will come to Burnley and see for myself the town's huge potential. I entirely understand her case for Burnley and the role that good sustainable transport links can play in its economic development. I am sorry that during my recent visit to the railways in the north of England, I was not able to visit Burnley. I will look closely at my diary to see whether a visit is possible.
Chris McCafferty:
May I extend to the Minister an invitation to Todmorden, in my constituency, at the same time so that he can see the measly 100 metres of
railway track that needs to be completed in order for my hon. Friend's constituents to be able to go to work in Manchester quickly and easily every day?
Chris Mole: I am sure that if I were to visit Burnley to see the delights of that town and the potential for investment in this infrastructure, it would be entirely sensible for me to try to look at the Todmorden curve at the same time.
I am positive about the prospects for improved rail connections from Burnley to Manchester, and I commend my hon. Friend the Member for Burnley for campaigning so effectively to promote this scheme.
6.22 pm
| Index | Home Page |