Celebrations mark anniversary of opening of Todmorden Curve

An early morning celebration event was held at Manchester Road Station to mark the one year anniversary of the first commuter train on the Todmorden Curve for 40 years.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd May 2016, 11:02 BST
The first new Burnley-bound passenger service train to use the newly renonated £9m Todmorden Curve pulls into Todmorden Railway Station. Picture by David BlaxhallThe first new Burnley-bound passenger service train to use the newly renonated £9m Todmorden Curve pulls into Todmorden Railway Station. Picture by David Blaxhall
The first new Burnley-bound passenger service train to use the newly renonated £9m Todmorden Curve pulls into Todmorden Railway Station. Picture by David Blaxhall

Burnley Council gave away free coffee, pastries and copies of the Burnley Magazine to celebrate.

The direct train has had a major benefit for Burnley, reducing the journey time to Manchester to just 52 minutes.

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Professional singer Wayne Farrow was on hand to send the commuters off on a high note, entertaining them with such classics as Fly Me To The Moon.

Wayne said: “It was lovely coming down to entertain everyone this morning, and an unusual venue for me. The sun was shining and people left us with a smile on their face!”

Commuter Philip Hartley, said “I’m travelling to Manchester Victoria Station today

“My wife and I work in Manchester city centre and the opening of the train line meant that we could move to the foothills of Pendle Hill, from our previous home in South Manchester, as we knew commuting would be an option.

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“We get the train once or twice a week, just to give ourselves a break.”

The opening of the rail line between Burnley and Manchester was a significant milestone in Burnley’s success story since it follows a multi-million pound investment, and has brought significant economic opportunities to East Lancashire.

Related topics:BurnleyBurnley CouncilEast Lancashire