The campaign for Carnforth to become the new home for Britain's railways will reach Parliament tomorrow (Tuesday March 8).
David Morris, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, will speak in favour of Carnforth's bid to become the first ever national HQ for Great British Railways at a debate in Westminster.
This comes as Lancaster City Council announced they would be putting together an official bid to back Carnforth.
The government is running a nationwide competition to find the new HQ, and has invited towns and cities outside London, with strong links to the railways, to make their case.
Listen to David Morris MP talking about the Carnforth bid:
"The debate tomorrow is to capitalise on the momentum that's happening for Carnforth to be the new headquarters for the Great British Railways," said Mr Morris (pictured).
"It ticks every box for the criteria. It would create employment locally.
"It's about bringing Carnforth back up to the prestige it once had when it was the centre of the railways universe for the north of England."
Following a groundswell of support from local people, organisations, and a petition from local heritage group Lancaster Civic Vision, Lancaster City Council has agreed to work up a formal expression of interest for Carnforth.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Carnforth fits perfectly into the criteria for this competition and would provide an outstanding location for the headquarters, due to its rail heritage, connectivity and opportunities for levelling up.
“It would be good for jobs and the local economy as well as making a statement on this district’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency through the promotion of sustainable transport options.”
The best applications will be short-listed in May, followed by a public vote to determine the winning location.
Carnforth could face competition from York, Crewe and Doncaster, as well as Preston.
Great British Railways is a planned state-owned public body that will oversee rail transport in Great Britain from 2023. It will replace Network Rail as the operator of rail infrastructure.
The closing date for applications is March 16.
You can add your name to the Lancaster Civic Vision petition and demonstrate your support here.
Meanwhile, Lancaster Civic Vision says that if county bosses choose to back Preston, they would "squander Lancashire's trump card for investment". See our story here for more.
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