LABOUR has demanded the government give the 'green light' to reopening the Colne to Skipton railway line as a matter or urgency.

On Friday Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s signalled that re-opening the Colne to Skipton rail link has moved a significant step closer.

The Cabinet minister confirmed the £400million project to extend the East Lancashire Line across the Pennines has been found ‘technically possible’ by an initial study.

On a visit to Colne railway station Mr Grayling also announced a second stage investigation into whether the demand for freight traffic would make it commercially feasible.

But Labour's Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Peter Dowd said the project must be approved immediately after a visit to the town on Saturday.

Since the 12-mile line was closed in 1970 there has been a growing campaign to re-instate it spearhead by SELRAP - the Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership.

Last year Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell pledged a Labour government would support the project.

Mr Dowd said: "The reopening of the electrified Colne to Skipton rail link is a must- no if’s or buts. Mr Grayling must give the green light now."

Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Pendle said: "We need action not weasel words."