Calls for forgotten Ribble Valley railway stations to be re-opened

Peter Brass, 53, from Clitheroe, is calling on the borough council, Lancashire County Council and the government to re-open the stations in Gisburn and Chatburn after the idea was first mentioned in the late 1980s.

Mr Brass, who owns a newsagents in the town, said the stations would ‘take thousands’ of vehicles off the roads to and from Blackburn every day, ‘significantly’ reducing congestion and emissions.

The idea of reopening the Ribble Valley stations was first mooted in 1989 and received support from Conservative MP Michael Portillo at the time.

However, nothing came of the original plans and Mr Brass is ‘determined’ to petition the councils and the government to reconsider the idea.

Mr Brass also said that stations would be a ‘huge boost’ to the borough because of the ‘increased public transport’ in the area.

He said: “I don’t really understand why nothing happened after the idea was first talked about in 1989.

“It would take thousands of vehicles off the roads every day which would be very positive for the environment.

“It would also help people save hundreds of pounds a year because train passes are a lot cheaper than bus passes.

“Trains also run a lot more frequently than buses and for a lot longer into the evening which will make a huge difference.

“The stations would be the closest for many many people in the Ribble Valley and I think that it makes a lot of sense.”

As part of the campaign, Mr Brass is considering holding public meetings and starting a petition to hand to the councils and the government.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “The council recognises that rail connectivity is key to improving transport in East Lancashire and a study is being carried out as part of the Highways and Transport Masterplan for East Lancashire.”