LABOUR council leaders in Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley are to seek a meeting with new Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry to discuss upgrades to rail links.

The call followed accusations the Government was creating a North-South divide on the railways, after axing the multi-million pound electrification of the Leeds-Manchester line while going ahead with Crossrail 2 in London.

Rossendale and Darwen Tory MP Mr Berry said he would be happy to arrange the meeting.

Blackburn with Darwen borough leader Mohammed Khan said at the council’s executive board: “This is very worrying.

“I shall seek a meeting with Mr Berry to discuss ensuring that the North of England and East Lancashire get their fair share of transport spending.”

Deputy leader Andy Kay said: “My concern is Northern Powerhouse Minister Mr Berry has no budget.”

Burnley council’s Labour leader Mark Townsend said: “This a very important issue and I would like to be at that meeting.”

Mr Berry said: “As a Lancastrian born and bred I shall ensure the county is a key part of the Northern Powerhouse.

“I would be happy to meet Cllrs Khan and Townsend to discuss further improving rail links.

“Before I was a minister, as local MP I helped secure millions of pounds to upgrade the rail link between Blackburn and Darwen to Manchester.

“The government has also invested millions in re-opening the Todmorden Curve to improve rail links between Burnley and Manchester.

“As Northern Powerhouse minister I do have budget spending millions of pounds of regional growth funding from the government, the European Regional Development Fund and the new British Business Bank.”

Pendle council’s deputy leader and Liberal Democrat Peer Tony Greaves said: “Everyone in East Lancashire should work together to improve rail links to the area.”