Call for improved transport links in North

IMPROVING transport links around the Manchester hub must be a priority and could bring economic benefits of up to £16 billion to the Northern economy, according to a report today.

The powerful Commons Transport Select Committee wants more funding to be channelled to the North after massive investment in the South-East, Thameslink and Crossrail.

The committee welcomed the £35 billion investment programme into rail, which covers the period 2009-2014, much of which will be spent on increasing capacity in London.

But the MPs warn that, given the current economic climate, investment levels from 2014 to 2019 may not be as large. Tough decisions will have to be made about priorities for the network.

The report says the Government priority post-2014 must address the capability constraints at the Hub. It is the main rail bottleneck in the North and critically affects the operation of both passenger and freight services across the whole of northern England.

It supports a multitude of transport links including Manchester International Airport, the trans-Pennine routes and bus services.

It says: “A Northern Way study had concluded that addressing the Manchester Hub could provide economic benefits of up to £16 billion for the North’s economy.”

The committee chairman, Louise Ellman, said: “It’s paramount we do not deprive future generations of a lasting legacy of good transport services.

“Investments made now or in the near future should reflect long-term needs of the economy and society”.