There is certainly a strong case for more public spending on regional transport as a priority and, in particular, for improved rail links to City Regions.

The "Centre for Cities" Report confirms what we already know about the poor economic situation in East Lancashire e.g. only 3% of Burnley's residents commute to work in Manchester, which is part of the Central Lancashire City Region of the Northern Way Strategy.

Professor Sir Peter Hall, one of the country's leading experts on Regeneration has shown that the North-South Economic Gap is continuing to widen. More significantly for East Lancashire, while there is an economic resurgence in 'Core Cities' like M/C and Leeds, those towns and areas on the 'Periphery' of these cities are experiencing further decline.

The Government 2007 Indices of Multiple Deprivation reveal that the Borough of Pendle has dropped from 71st to the 44th poorest Borough between 2004 and 2007 in the English District League Table. Meanwhile, Burnley has dropped from 37th to 21st, Hyndburn from 58th to 40th and Blackburn with Darwen from 34th to 17th. It would appear that the East Lancashire Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, Elevate, has failed so far to bring about the promised social and economic regeneration. Part of their Strategy is to include access to better transport links in building sustainable communities.

One of the main reasons for this continuing decline is the lack of Accessbility and Connectivity with good transport links to M/C and Leeds and between the Regions. In his Presentation to the Economic Vision Board of Pendle Partnership, the Local Strategic Partnership, Professor Jones highlighted that the lack of good rail links was "the real problem".

It is well documented that rail not road schemes are Key Drivers in Regeneration. New roads tend to bypass communities while railways go through the heart of them and more readily connect to other economic centres.

Yet, the Government Regional Funding Allocation Rules are strongly biased in favour of road rather than rail schemes. This Policy has to change if we are to develop an integrated and sustainable public transport system. We need to protect the environment and tranfer from road to rail for passengers and freight.

For instance, the Reopening of the Northern Cross-Pennine Colne - Skipton line would link into the national rail network. Together with the Reinstatement of the Todmorden Curve, as a shorter, quicker route from Burnley - M/C, and the Upgrading of the Blackburn - M/C line, these three rail improvements would bring the economic, social and environmental benefits of Regeneration to East Lancashire. They would also connect to the City Regions of M/C and Leeds and give residents access to employment and other essential services as well as attract inward investment and foster Tourism.

David Penney Colne Columnist Planning & Development Officer Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership SELRAP - www.selrap.org.uk