Full steam ahead for electric rail routes

The electrification of key northern rail lines is to go ahead following the reversal of a Government decision to postpone work

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the overhaul of the TransPennine route, which runs through Greenfield, will restart following the so-called pause ordered in June.

The Government was accused of deceiving the public over its intentions for the network when the scheme was put on hold weeks after the general election. The decision to restart comes days before the Conservatives head to Manchester for the party’s autumn conference.

Mr McLoughlin said: “Connecting up the great cities of the North is at the heart of our plan to build a Northern Powerhouse. This Government will see the job through and build a better, faster and more reliable railway.”

The company insisted the three-month delay had allowed it to develop a better plan for passengers.

Labour accused the Government of incompetence and claimed the delays had led to construction job losses.

Plans will now be drawn up for electrification of the line between Stalybridge and Selby. But the work won’t be completed until 2022.