THE government has been told it must invest more in transport in Lancashire.

Cllr Azhar Ali, the county council’s Labour group leader, has written to Chancellor Philip Hammond MP setting out the case for the government to recognise the needs of Pennine Lancashire in his Budget on November 22.

The Nelson East councillor said: “We have an opportunity to not only reinstate and enhance the Colne to Skipton line but also to ensure we can extend our road networks and create a new east-west network from the ports of Hull to Liverpool.

“Pennine Lancashire is a sleeping giant and this much needed investment, a ‘Crossrail for the north’ would transform our economy and communities.”

Cllr Ali added:” The government keep talking about the northern powerhouse but its all about growing the big cities. Lancashire deserves better”