Campaigners are aiming to make Carnforth the first national HQ of Great British Railways.
Great British Railways national headquarters is to be based outside of London to ensure that skilled jobs and economic benefits are focused beyond the capital.
Lancaster Civic Vision want it to be here in North Lancashire.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced in October a competition to provide the national home for Great British Railways (GBR), bringing jobs and investment outside of London.
The competition will recognise towns and cities with a rich railway history that are strongly linked to the network ensuring the first headquarters will take pride of place at the heart of a new era for Britain’s railways.
A spokesperson for Lancaster Civic Vision said: ‘’The Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth areas have a long history as a major central hub for railways during the 19th and 20th centuries due to its role as an important trading port and its strategic position on the western route between England and Scotland.
‘’Carnforth is already an established award-winning Heritage Centre and known worldwide for its linking with the Harry Potter and Brief Encounter films, as well as being the home of West Coast Railways the UKs leading specialist train operator whose excursions are regularly featured on the television programme Greatest Railway Journeys in the World.
‘’We believe that there is an extremely strong case for this investment being made at Carnforth including the contribution that this would make to the Levelling Up agenda, a strategic position close to the M6 as well as it being a natural complement to the forthcoming Eden Project North scheduled for a 2024 opening.
‘’We further believe that the potential for high quality jobs the investment would bring would have significant economic benefits for Carnforth and the whole Lancaster District.’’
Great British Railways have asked for submissions from local authorities from across the country and will short list a number of locations. They will then host a non-binding, online vote which will give the public the opportunity to support and vote for their preferred location from the shortlist. The result of this vote will be used to measure the level of public support for each location and will be considered as part of final decision making.
In anticipation of a formal expression of interest being submitted, and in support of the efforts of David Morris MP to secure this investment, Lancaster Civic Vision are launching a campaign to identify the strength locally for the case of Carnforth.
People are being asked to submit an expression of interest by heading HERE to register your vote now.
The closing date for applications is 16th March 2022.
Lancaster City Council agrees 2.99 per cent rise in Council tax share
Lancashire Police’s share of Council tax to rise by 5.4 per cent
Guys Thatched Hamlet closes suddenly after 46 years
Teenager spared jail for causing death of newborn child in Morecambe
Morecambe Town Council agrees budget and 2.46 per cent rise in Council tax share
Builders of new Lancaster housing development offer £2k cash pot to community groups
Lancaster centre welcomes mayor for opening of new community kitchen
Lancaster shop to close as high street gaming chain faces administration
Jim Bentley returns for second spell as Morecambe FC manager
Ashvir Singh Johal’s reign as Morecambe manager comes to an end
Lancaster writer's ghost story of Morecambe to be voiced by acting legend on Radio 4
Change of name announced for popular Morecambe bar
Opening announced for new Morecambe bistro inside former post office
Health watchdog report shows improvements to services at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
LISTEN: How Leo's Gym is making a difference in memory of young Morecambe boxer
LISTEN: Lancaster set to celebrate Chinese New Year
Lancaster’s Vue Cinema under new ownership
Lancaster city centre car park to close ahead of "catalyst for the development of the Canal Quarter"
Crews tackle commercial building fire in Lancaster
Heritage plaque to mark first Lancaster University site and Gillow factory
