There has been a lovely feel around the Valley these past few weeks. The sunshine has helped, of course, but more than that, it is the feeling that Rossendale is moving forward. Whether it is the work in Haslingden, the progress on Rawtenstall Market, or the brilliant community events that seem to pop up every weekend, it is great to see our town centres really working for people.
But alongside all that positivity, I want to talk about something that has left me, and many others, feeling deeply frustrated - our long-standing ambition to connect Rossendale to Manchester by rail.
For years now, we have been working to get the City Valley Rail Link, a commuter and visitor line running from Rawtenstall into Manchester via Ramsbottom and Bury. This is not a vague idea or a sketch on the back of an envelope; it is one of the most mature, evidence-backed transport schemes in Lancashire, with a full business case, national co-investment, and, most importantly, 86 per cent public support.
Despite all of that, the latest draft of Lancashire County Council's transport plan does not include our proposal. Not even as a named scheme or a future priority. I will be honest, it is maddening.
Rossendale is the only borough in Lancashire without a passenger rail station. The County's own evidence identifies parts of Rossendale as areas facing some of the highest risks in terms of limited travel choices, which can lead to higher social vulnerability. This is one of the reasons I am so passionate about ensuring this project gets the attention it deserves.
While we are making real progress locally - improving our town centres, investing in markets, supporting businesses, strengthening our communities - when it comes to decisions like this, people behind these decisions are not recognising how important this link is to our communities.
A direct rail link into Manchester would be transformational. It would open up job opportunities, support our young people, boost our visitor economy, reduce congestion on the M66, and give residents real transport alternatives and options. It would support the East Lancashire Railway, not replace it. And it would finally give Rossendale the connectivity that many other Lancashire boroughs already enjoy.
So, we are not letting this drop.
We will be writing formally to Lancashire County Council to challenge the omission and to ask for more information about how they have come to this conclusion. We will be making the case again, firmly, constructively, and backed by evidence. We will also be launching our own consultation so residents can have their say directly. When it opens, I hope people across the Valley will take part. This is not just a tick-box exercise, it is a chance for us to show, clearly and collectively, why this matters to everyday life here.
As ever, you can get in touch with me by phone on 07817 414248 or by email at alysonbarnes@rossendalebc.gov.uk.
