Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the introduction of railway services between Manchester and East Lancashire via the Todmorden curve is still expected to take place by December 2014; and, if not, what are the reasons for the delay.

Although the work to reinstate the track is now finished, Network Rail has yet to complete the signalling infrastructure works that will allow trains to run through the full length of the curve in both directions. Once Network Rail has finished all the necessary infrastructure works, Northern will be able to begin driver route training.

Northern Rail, in consultation with Lancashire County Council, the project sponsor, have informed the Department for Transport that they are working towards implementing train services from the start of the May 2015 timetable change, subject to signing a formal funding agreement contract with Lancashire County Council.　 Northern will endeavour to introduce services as soon as is practicable, subject to agreement being reached over the local funding.