Council chief “delighted” over rail electrification

WARRINGTON Borough Council leader Terry O’Neill says he is “absolutely delighted” with a report which puts Warrington at the top of a list of railway lines being prioritised for electrification.
Cllr O’Neill (pictured) was one of two Rail North leaders who sat on the North of England Electrifications Task Force over the last seven months.
The task force has now presented its report – with a priority list of railway lines – to Transport Secretary Patrick McLouglin.
Second on the list is the Manchester to Liverpool via Warrington Central line.
Cllr O’Neill said: “Over the last seven months I have represented Warrington and the wider North West on this group and I am absolutely delighted that this report has come to fruition. Our brief was to prioritise the rail lines for future electrification and to see an
extremely popular Warrington route near the top of list is excellent.
“Economic growth and connectivity were at the heart of our discussions. We looked at economic benefits; impact on services, costs and environment; and providing better train capacity and quality.
“Electrification will enhance service quality, improve the appeal
of rail, and by encouraging more rail use, reduce environmental impacts and carbon emissions. It is essential for continued economic growth and to stimulate further regeneration that we have strong connections and transport links to towns and cities.”
This development follows the announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) that it has published a new invitation to tender for the Northern and TransPennine franchises.
In new plans the outdated Pacer trains will be replaced, and a new fleet of modern trains introduced. Trains will be longer with more seats, particularly on the most crowded routes into the North’s largest cities. There will be a new “Northern Regional” service and investment will be made to improve stations.
Cllr O’Neill continued: “The previous announcement was equally good news because it means new high-quality rail links and passenger services across the whole of the North. It is particularly good news for Warrington because our new Warrington West station will be served which will only further boost and strengthen our transport links and contribute
to our growing economy.”
The council’s rail officer, Pete Brunskill, led technical and stakeholder work and co-wrote the final report.
Warrington Chamber of Commerce has also welcomed the announcement, as reported by Warrington-Worldwide last week.