RAIL passengers in East Lancashire finally look to have seen the back of their “Third World” carriages – and been promised 120 newly-built replacements.

Months of speculation over the future of the unpopular Pacer trains appears to have ended with an announcement over the new northern railways franchise.

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Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne had predicted their demise only to apparently be contradicted last month by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

Thirty-year-old Pacer trains will be phased out when the nine-year long franchise begins in April 2016, the Department of Transport has confirmed.

One hundred and twenty new train carriages will be required from the successful bidder and the remainder of the fleet, comprised of Sprinter trains, will be overhauled.

If the Sprinters are retained and upgraded then the prospects of former London Underground trains being used in East Lancashire are dwindling.

An investment of £30million in stations across the network is also being sought and longer trains have been pledged for busy commuter routes.

But union chiefs have slammed confirmation the new franchisee will be able to introduce driver-only operated trains, which they claim will lead to job losses and compromise passenger safety.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, announcing the tender invitations, said: “This is an historic moment. These old trains have been rattling across rails in the north for over 30 years and have been a a constant source of complaints.”

Mr McLoughlin said: “Unlike the last northern franchise in 2004, which included limited plans to invest in services or meet demand, This deal will maintain investment and grow to fit the needs of passengers for years to come.”

County councillor John Fillis, Lancashire County Council’s transport cabinet member, said: “The county council has worked hard in partnership with councils right across the region through Rail North and the DfT to develop an investment-led specification that should deliver significantly improved train services over the period of the new franchises.”

County councillor David Whipp described the trains as ‘Third World’ during a county council debate this week.

But Mick Cash, general secretary of the rail union RMT, said: “The tender documents allow bidders to axe guards and move to driver-only operation, compromising safety in the interests of private profit.”Three operators - including present holders Abellio Northern - were shortlisted for the franchise last August.