LIBERAL Democrat peer Lord Tony Greaves has questioned Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s claim that reopening the Colne to Skipton rail line has moved a significant step closer.

Last month the Lancashire Telegraph exclusively revealed an initial feasibility study into the project to extend the East Lancashire line across the Pennines had confirmed it was ‘technically possible’.

On a visit to Colne the Cabinet minister announced a further investigation into whether the demand for freight traffic on the route would make it commercially viable.

Mr Grayling made clear his commitment to its reopening, provided the business case is made.

Since the 12-mile line was closed in 1970 there has been a growing campaign to re-instate it.

Now Pendle councillor Lord Greaves has alleged the failure of the Department of Transport to provide details of the initial study and proposed new one suggests progress has stalled.

He said: “There are disturbing signs the exciting push to reopen the Colne to Skipton line has again run into the buffers.

“They refuse to publish the feasibility report, they say they want yet another study but when asked they don’t give any details of what they want, who will do it or when it will be done.

“Everyone concerned to promote this scheme seems utterly frustrated by the Department for Transport’s bureaucratic inertia.

“Chris Grayling paid a visit to Colne railway station a month ago but actually announced nothing at all.

“What is needed now is a proper engineering study into the practicalities of reopening the line which can act as a basis for an assessment based on hard financial facts.”

Cllr Paul White, Conservative leader of Pendle Council, said: “Lord Greaves is talking absolute rubbish.

“Mr Grayling’s announcement took things a significant step forward.

“The second study into the scheme’s commercial viability is entirely sensible.

“It would be wrong of the government to commit to spending almost £500m on a project without establishing there is a business case for it. I am confident that the new study will establish that business case.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss and Transport for the North board member, said: “Given the complete chaos the government is in I am not surprised there is some delay.

“I am surprised there has been any progress.

“Transport for the North will continue to make the case for this scheme.”