Calls have once again been made for the reopening of rail lines between Southport, Preston and Ormskirk, which would help to “create an economic powerhouse for the North West”
Southport MP Patrick Hurley spoke in parliament about how the estimated £35 million required to restore the Burscough Curves, which were closed during the Beeching Cuts 60 years ago, would be “money well spent”.
There are growing reasons to increase the provision of sustainable transport for people in this area.
Sefton Council has just appointed the new building contractor to create the £73 million new Marine Lake Events Centre and Light Fantastic, which will attract an estimated additional 515,000 visitors per year into Southport, while the £20 million scheme to restore Southport Pier – expected to begin soon – will attract more again.
Speaking in Parliament during a debate on the Restoration of the Ivanhoe Line, Southport MP Patrick Hurley said: “What my honourable friend is talking about reminds me of an issue that affects my constituents.
“The line between Liverpool and Preston crosses the line between Southport and Manchester. Up until the 1960s, the two lines were linked by two curves at the town of Burscough, just outside my constituency.
“For 60 years, there has been a campaign to get the curves reopened and to reinstall the commuter link between Southport and Ormskirk, and also between Southport and Preston, which would add huge amounts of GVA to the local area and create an economic powerhouse for the North West.
“The cost of rebuilding and reopening the Burscough curves has been estimated at just £35 million.
“Does my hon. Friend agree that that would be £35 million pounds very well spent?”
Amanda Hack Labour, North West Leicestershire replied: “I thank my hon. Friend for his Intervention. I do not know a huge amount about his line, but that certainly seems to be good value for money, and it adds to the point about towns that need infrastructure. What does that infrastructure do? It gives those people opportunity.”
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