THE campaign for a new rail link between East Lancashire and Manchester is building up a head of steam after a new survey showed overwhelming public support for the scheme.

Some 86 per cent of those who completed the Rossendale Council survey about reinstating the Rawtenstall to Manchester train corridor were supportive of the potential new link predicted to reduce car journeys on the M66/A56 by up to three million.

It could offer journey times of 44 minutes from the Valley into the city centre.

The original Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom to Bury line closed to passengers in 1972 and to freight in 1980.

Now 55 per cent of Rossendale working age residents leaving the borough each day to access employment.

Rossendale Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes and local Tory MPs Jake Berry and Sara Britcliffe said the survey results gave the campaign for the new line a real head of steam.

Mike Kelly, the chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, which would be used in a new train route, has repeatedly aired his concerns that it could threaten the future of the heritage line.

Options include an integrated train shuttle service connecting with Metrolink trams in Bury or a direct train to Manchester Victoria via Heywood. Both would create stations at Rawtenstall, Ewood Bridge (with a park and ride for Haslingden), Stubbins, Ramsbottom and Bury.

Council Leader Alyson Barnes said: “I have always championed the Rossendale rail link. It is vital to our continued sustainable growth.

“The massive response and support shown in this survey justifies why it is so important to the future of the borough. Residents need a reliable connection. We are the only borough in Lancashire without a rail link and we cannot afford to miss out any longer.

“Whichever solution is chosen will also ensure the continued success of the heritage railway so it is disappointing that the ELR operating company is still unwilling to see this as a solution to their long-term future.”

Mr Berry, MP for Rossendale, said: “I am pleased with the results of this survey, which have confirmed that the rail link has strong local support.

“I will be speaking to the Department of Transport to push for this to be considered further. I would urge the ELR to engage with talks, as without them this plan will fall at the next stage.”

Hyndburn MP Miss Britcliffe said:” I am delighted that the survey shows strong support for the rail link."