By Elsie Blundell MP
I want the best for the towns in my constituency of Heywood and Middleton North. Since being elected in 2024, I have spoken up locally and in Parliament to improve our health services, dentistry, housing, education, and childcare. However, the most significant improvement will come from better jobs and work opportunities for local residents. A good, secure job with prospects is the best way to create a future for every working person in towns like Heywood, Castleton, and Middleton.
This is not a nice-to-have. It is a major part of giving our young people hope that they can make their own way in the world and fulfill their potential.
Several people from young working families have raised with me the problem of commuting to Manchester. The reality is that some parts of our borough have excellent services directly into Manchester, while others do not. In fact, it is surprising how poor the bus links are into Manchester, considering how close they are to other connections like a train station or Middleton bus station.
My research shows that despite being only four miles from Middleton, it can take over an hour longer to get into Manchester by bus. The alternative is driving, but Manchester city centre has some of the most expensive parking in the country. This problem is so severe that it discourages people from seeking work in Manchester. The economic engine of our city region is simply too difficult to reach for local people. It is the absolute definition of our towns being left behind, as others benefit from the economic miracle next door.
The 167 used to be an express service running through our community and into Manchester. It was cancelled several years ago, but times have changed, and so has the job market. We need an express direct-to-Manchester city centre service that could reduce journey times from three core areas and allow people to get to work without losing most of the morning.
It is time to Bring Back the Express! I am sending an open letter to Mayor Andy Burnham outlining the importance of the former route. You can help by signing the letter at elsieblundell.org.uk/bus.
I want to point out that devolution has already brought the biggest and fastest improvement to our local public transport in several generations. Mayor Burnham, Transport for Greater Manchester, and the city region have done an incredible job with local trains, Metrolink, and the Bee Network. But it must go even further—to Norden, Bamford, and Heywood.
