Date: 09/03/2012

The Government will hold talks on restoring Rossendale's rail link with Manchester, it has been revealed. Under plans proposed by supporters, commuter trains would run along the East Lancashire Railway, which is currently a heritage railway. [From Mark Bartlett]

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Government to stage talks over plans to resurrect Rossendale rail link to Manchester

Rossendale Free Press

The Government will hold talks on restoring Rossendale's rail link with Manchester, it has been revealed.

Related images

The Rossendale Farewell DMU Railtour in February 1981, marking final closure of the line to Rawtenstall, passes Bury Bolton Street, closed to passengers the previous year with the opening of Bury Interchange. However, the 1200v side contact third rails can still be seen. Nowadays the station is of course the bustling hub of the East Lancashire Railway.
Location: Bury Bolton Street
Company: East Lancashire Railway
14/02/1981 Mark Bartlett

Push Pull for Bacup at Rawtenstall with L&YR 2-4-2T 50647. Believed to have been taken around 1951 and certainly prior to the introduction of DMUs in 1955. Rawtenstall was then a through station but, following closure in 1972, has now been rebuilt as the terminus of the preserved East Lancashire Railway. This view is to the south towards Ewood Bridge and Bury.
Location: Rawtenstall
Company: East Lancashire Railway
//1951 W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett)

Deltic 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier departs from Rawtenstall on the East Lancashire Railway on 15 October 2011 during the 'Deltic weekend' which saw 5 members of the class in operation.
Location: Rawtenstall
Company: East Lancashire Railway
15/10/2011 John McIntyre