lT is great news that the long-awaited reopening of Burnley’s Todmorden Curve railway line has moved a step closer.

Network Rail said trains could be running between Burnley and Manchester as soon as December 2013 after its engineers gave the project their seal of approval.

Now all that is needed is the estimated £8million the work will cost.

For many years campaigners have been calling for the scheme to go ahead.

Certainly the direct rail link would be a huge boost to the town, helping to attract new companies and business.

Journey times would be cut to just 40 minutes and there would be no need for commuters to waste hours changing at either Hebden Bridge or Blackburn.

The onus is now on Burnley and Lancashire council chiefs to bid for the money needed and submit a final business case to Whitehall.

Certainly there is the political will to see this happen, with both councils saying it is the project top transport priority.

Let us hope that despite the difficult financial climate the Government can see the merits of the scheme and find the cash.