SELRAP campaigners launch funding appeal over bid to re-open Skipton to Colne railway (From Craven Herald)

SELRAP campaigners launch funding appeal over bid to re-open Skipton to Colne railway

8:00am Tuesday 19th February 2013 in News

Rail campaigners have launched an appeal to fund a new study into the reopening of the Skipton to Colne Railway Line.

The Skipton East Lancashire Action Rail Partnership (SELRAP) wants to commission a Governance for Railway Investment Project (GRIP) three study, which, it believes, would strengthen its calls for the line to be reopened.

A SELRAP spokesman said: “SELRAP would like to see a double electrified line so that a 21st century rail service can be provided.

“Campaigners are told money is not available for local projects yet over £32 billion has been found for HS2 (High Speed Rail 2). In other countries high speed rail links have sucked investment to the larger towns and cities. It will not bring social and economic benefits to East Lancashire and North Yorkshire.

“Despite high level meetings with the Department of Transport and meetings with both Lancashire and North Yorkshire County Councils, SELRAP has not been able to secure the promise of the £70,000 funding for the first stage of this make or break study.

“The campaigning group is, therefore, appealing to its wide breadth of supporters for funds to help achieve this. On the successful completion of the GRIP three study, investment in the rail link will surely follow with all the benefits for the area that will be brought with it.”