MP's maiden speech calls for rail link restoration

Jonathan Hinder was speaking during a debate on taking the railways into public ownership

The new Pendle and Clitheroe MP, Jonathan Hinder, has used his maiden speech in Parliament to call for the restoration of the Colne to Skipton rail link.

The Labour backbencher was speaking during a debate on taking Britain's train services into public ownership.

He said: "While public ownership is by no means a cure-all, this bill is a crucial first step in creating a reliable, well integrated railway that serves every part of our country."

The 12-mile route, connecting Lancashire with North Yorkshire, last ran in 1970. If reopened, it could lead to fast train services between east Lancashire, Bradford and Leeds.

The 12-mile route, connecting Lancashire with North Yorkshire, has not operated since 1970

Mr Hinder told the Commons: "On the subject of speed, in my constituency, the Clitheroe to Manchester train takes an hour and 20 minutes to travel a mere 30 miles.

“The Colne to Preston train takes an hour and 15 minutes to travel just 25 miles.

“Both offer one diesel train per hour, and they are totally unreliable.

“Regional inequality in our country is stark, and we need serious investment in infrastructure, such as by reinstating the short rail link between Colne in Lancashire and Skipton in Yorkshire, if we are to see small towns in the north of England thrive and prosper."

Campaigners belonging to the Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership will meet in Colne on Monday evening to hear about any updates.

Mr Hinder also used his maiden speech to praise his former police colleagues for their "great courage, professionalism and restraint" during recent riots.