AN MP is continuing to press for a fast rail route through East Lancashire.

A new transpennine Express franchise has been put out to tender -- but the map provided to the bidding companies did not include the crucial East Lancs commuter route, raising fears that the loss of the express service connecting Yorkshire with Lancashire and includes Hebden Bridge, Burnley, Accrington and Blackburn before ending in Blackpool, would have a devastating effect on the regeneration of East Lancashire.

In October, Northern Spirit said they intended to provide longer trains to meet existing demand and were also investigating the introduction of a more frequent service via Burnley Manchester Road station at popular times.

They also intended to man the station with a ticket office.

The company has now told Burnley MP Peter Pike that they are in the process of formulating their final bid for transpennine Express and were fully aware of the Roses Link between Leeds and Blackpool.

Mr Pike commented: "The position is not as positive as it was last October regarding the rail link via the Roses line.

"I will be pressing for this service which has tremendous potential."