Rail needs have to be safeguarded

A STRONG message needs to be sent by Oldham Council if rail services in the borough are to be safeguarded.

Local Liberal Democrats want the council to urge Network Rail to follow through on investment plans in the borough.

In a motion to be heard at full council next Wednesday, they have welcomed Network Rail’s £550 million Northern Hub plan with cautious optimism.

The five-year programme is designed to increase capacity on trans-Pennine routes. The Manchester to Leeds route via Greenfield will also be electrified.

The Lib-Dems are calling for two extra platforms to be opened at Piccadilly to enable express trains from Leeds and Stalybridge and trains from Rochdale and Mills Hill to run through to Manchester Airport.

They also want to see the reopening of the Stanedge Tunnels at Diggle to allow express trains to overtake local stopping trains.

They will also ask Oldham Council to call upon Network Rail to reopen Diggle station.