ASSURANCES of improved services, major upgrading, investment and staffing of Manchester Road railway station, Burnley, will be sought when the town's MP Peter Pike meets one of the three short-listed bidders for the Transpennine Express franchise.
Mr Pike plans to meet representatives of Arriva during the Labour Party conference in Brighton.
He has also met with First Group PLC and Connex, the other two short-listed companies.
Mr Pike said: "It is envisaged that the franchise will deliver tangible benefits to travellers in the North of England with fast and frequent services within the congested M62 corridor."
He added: "The population in East Lancashire is 500,000 and if the service goes westwards to Blackpool there is a large population from Preston onwards plus tourism traffic for holidays in Blackpool.
"To the east Bradford-Leeds is a major population centre. There is clearly growth potential on this line for the successful bidder."
Mr Pike added: "I will be looking very carefully at what the three bidders are offering for Burnley. In particular I would wish to see an improved service and a major upgrading, investment and staff at the Manchester Road station."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article