A ‘gateway to Eden North’ is among proposals laid out in a new Rail Strategy which aims to identify improvements on the Morecambe to Leeds line.
The Bentham Line: Strategy to 2042 has been produced by the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership, which includes a number of suggestions potentially beneficial to the Lancaster district.
Among the objectives it identifies are an increase to service frequency, reduction of journey times, improvement of the range of destinations being directly served from stations along the route, and improvements to station facilities and infrastructure.
The strategy includes 21 different options for further promotion and exploration, a number of which would benefit the local area. These include the creation of an Eden North Gateway in Morecambe, improvements to Lancaster railway station and upgrades to services and infrastructure at Carnforth. The strategy also highlights the potential for exploring the business case for improvements to the Heysham Port branch line.
Decarbonisation of the rail network is an overriding theme of the document, and whilst the strategy accepts that progress regarding rail decarbonisation requires a comprehensive, network-wide view, there is the potential for early decarbonisation of the Morecambe branch line, either via low-cost electrification or the deployment of battery-operated trains.
Lancaster City Council has had discussions with partners regarding decarbonisation possibilities as part of its response to the Climate Emergency and in readiness for the delivery of the Eden North Project.
Councillor Gina Dowding, the council’s cabinet member for planning and place, welcomed the report, saying: “Making improvements to the rail network is a vital part of tackling carbon emissions and achieving net zero across the district, while providing better public transport options for residents. This new report contains a number of practical options of how this can be achieved and I welcome its publication.
“Significant progress is being made in tackling the devastating impact of climate change and meeting the council’s ambitious target of making its activities net zero by 2030. However, our own emissions are only a small part of the picture. It is good to see other sectors focussed on net zero carbon plans.”
City Councillor Peter Yates, a longstanding advocate of improvements to the rail network, said: “I welcome the identification of opportunities for improving services along the Bentham railway line. This East-West line forms a vital rail connection for tourism and business and the enhancement of services and infrastructure has the capability to deliver economic benefits for everyone along the route.
"The potential for decarbonising motive power is essential to delivering a rail network fit for the 21st Century. Carnforth is a key rail junction to all points of the country and the town has a critical role to play as part of an integrated railway network."
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
