Diggle could get a new station... in 20 years

Date published: 24/02/2010

A recently-published report on the future of the railways gives fresh hope for a station in the village.

However, passengers could have a long wait as the report says it may happen in the next 20 years.

The Northern Hub report outlines ways to increase services and speed up journey times between cities.

The aim is for journeys of 40 minutes between Manchester and Leeds — lopping nearly a quarter of an hour off the current 54 minutes.

Royce Franklin, chair of the transport and traffic sub-committee of the Saddleworth and Lees Partnership, said: “There are some potential benefits for local travellers.

“There are plans to provide more platforms at Piccadilly and to improve Victoria Station. This identifies the possibility of some of the trains from Greenfield going into Piccadilly instead of Victoria. Victoria services could increasingly go on to other stations — such as Wigan and Southport. ”

He went on: “The main hopes for Diggle station are in the reinstallation of the quadruple track between Marsden and Diggle. There would be an upgrading of the signalling along the track and additional services.

“The possibility of a station at Diggle, which closed in the late 1960s, is potentially good news for Diggle and Saddleworth as a whole.”

Richard Knowles, a professor of transport who lives in Greenfield, said: “It is fantastic news for residents in Diggle, Dobcross and Uppermill that a station could be rebuilt on the old site.

“I will be campaigning with others to make a business case for Diggle station — then secure funding to enable it to be rebuilt and opened.”

Pam Byrne, membership secretary of the Saddleworth Business Association, said the scheme could be a great benefit to residents who travel to work in Manchester or Huddersfield.