Campaigners aiming to reopen a Lancashire-Yorkshire rail link through Colne have highlighted the success of a revived Northumberland route, which has drawn over one million passengers in just 12 months.

The Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) has spotlighted the Northumberland Line, north of Newcastle, which reopened in December 2024 and has since carried double the number of passengers expected.

SELRAP campaigners say similar work can be done on the 12-mile Colne-Skipton link, which was closed in the early 1970s. They say better Lancashire-Yorkshire links would boost job and education prospects, tourism, regeneration and house values, especially in east Lancashire.

Lancashire campaigners say the Northumberland Line – and the reopened Scottish Borders route – support their case for reconnecting Colne and Skipton, to bring wider benefits across Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Artist's impression of a new station at Earby or Colne. Shown at Colne meeting March 2023. Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership. SELRAP. Pic: Robbie MacDonald LDRS.

placeholder image — Artist's impression of a new station at Earby or Colne. Shown at Colne meeting March 2023. Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership. SELRAP. Pic: Robbie MacDonald LDRS.

SELRAP member Jane Wood, from Barnoldswick; said: “At our group’s recent meeting in Colne, Dennis Fancett from the South East Northumberland Rail User Group spoke about the Northumberland Line’s extraordinary success.

“Northumberland campaigners got that local line re-instated in late 2024. In the first year of reopening, passenger numbers were double what was forecast. Another station in Northumberland is due to open soon and campaigners are working to re-open more stations.

“In Lancashire, SELRAP believes reopening the Skipton to Colne link would bring much-needed regeneration to east Lancashire, just like the Northumberland line in the north-east.

“In Northumberland, county council support was vital in the railway campaign. The council was led by the Lib-Dems but there was cross-party support for the line’s reopening. In Lancashire and Yorkshire, SELRAP supporters are continuing to lobby our MPs, councils and councillors all along the route and, in particular, Lancashire County Council.”

Brierfield railway station on single track Colne line with Northlight mill development on left. Pic: Robbie MacDonald LDRS. Partner approved.

The Colne-Skipton link was closed in the early 1970s but SELRAP wants new lines in both directions and upgraded stations, including a new one at Earby. SELRAP has support from various MPs, councils, Skipton Building Society, port operator Peel Group and energy firm Drax.

Creating extra passenger and freight train capacity across the north are key aims and would benefit the whole north of England, campaigners say. Currently, just a single track rail line serves Colne, Nelson and Brierfield with limited trains west to towns such as Accrington, Burnley, Preston and Blackpool. SELRAP wants investment to create fast links in both directions including to Skipton, Bradford and Leeds.

Separately, the Settle-Carlisle rail route, threatened with closure in the 1980s, is expected to carry one million passengers this year, its 150th anniversary. The line which includes the landmark Ribbehead Viaduct is popular with tourists but also has regular commuter trains to Skipton and Leeds.

Lancashire currently has some train links to stations connected to the Settle-Carlisle line, on routes from Clitheroe, Morecambe and Carnforth. But more services could be possible in future. Reconnecting Colne to Skipton would be one option. But separately, Ribble Valley Council has discussed ideas with rail industry and government figures to create more train services between Manchester, Clitheroe, Hellifield and the Settle-Carlisle route.