Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

All of these “were simple to achieve” in engineering parlance according to SELRAP’s Chairman. Whereas, the big advantage was, that it would provide the least inclined, therefore the lowest crossing of the Pennines in the North of England. It would also provide an alternative route to the already congested area around the Greater Manchester network. It would give operators of freight another path between the major ports of the north, whilst providing another means of connecting West and North Yorkshire with the Fylde Coast. The probable benefits to North East Lancashire alone were obvious, as improved connectivity was proven as a method for stimulating regional economies. At this moment in time Pendle (Nelson and Colne), Burnley and Accrington, are all in the top 20% of deprived boroughs in England, with Hyndburn at number 18 down the list. Major backers of this scheme were the Skipton Building Society, who are members of a Project Development Team that also includes Drax Power Station near Selby, Peel Ports, Associated British Ports, Northern Trains and Network Rail. Other parties were the civil engineer Amey, fund managers Arcus, the Arup consultancy and importantly the Department for Transport. The ambitious intentions are listed as - 1. To rebuild it as a double track railway to the latest freight clearances. 2. To electrify it through to Colne to allow trains to run at 30 minute frequencies from Leeds. 3. To have a cross-platform or an end-on connection in Colne. 4. To extend this service through to Accrington, using bi-modal trains, (electricity/other fuel sources battery, hydrogen etc). 5. To reinstate the station at Earby. 6. To a doubling of the six miles of single line between Colne and Gannow Junction in Burnley. 7. For the lines between Accrington and Gannow Junction to be upgraded. A document prepared by the Arup Advocacy suggested that “these objectives could all be achieved by 2026, providing the planning processes could be swiftly dealt with”. These would have to include public and related consultancies and multiple planning applications. It appeared now as though the route via Copy Pit and the section of the East Lancs Line were a preferred way to handle light engine movements. On Sunday, the 18 th , there was a move from Doncaster’s Roberts Road Sheds to Carlisle. As a result of which Colas Rail’s 70:807 came through at 17:25. Other sightings at about this time were 150:120 + 150:106 on the local Colne to Preston, 195:111 on the Blackpool North to York with 195:017 on its own on the opposite working. On Monday the 19 th , the VTG tanks were behind 70:810 which replaced the pairing of 56:105 + 56:094 from the previous week. May Light engine movements saw GB Railfreight’s named 60:076 through Accrington on Sunday the 2 nd . It was en route from Tuebrook Sidings on Merseyside to Castle Cement in Horrocksford, Clitheroe, on what was believed to be a route learning exercise. The circuitous route saw it come and return via Manchester, Rochdale, Copy Pit and Accrington, reversing on reaching Blackburn to go up the Ribble Valley Line. It was booked to be worked by a Class 66, but instead was operated by a rather work-stained ex-Colas Rail Class 60, still in its previous operators livery. Light engine movements continued on Bank Holiday Monday, the 3 rd , with another movement from Crewe going east through Accrington on a circuitous route to Manchester Victoria. There were two in the cab of Freightliner 66:951 and it would return two hours later bringing back some track equipment. These movements would continue through Tuesday the 4 th , but on Wednesday the 5 th , the locomotive was of special mention. In a two-tone green livery, the engine was 47:830 named ‘ BEECHING’S LEGACY’ . It was noted going east and followed the VTG tanker train shortly before 11:00. This same engine, in the ownership of GBRf despite its heritage livery, was through Accrington again on Thursday the 6 th and Friday the 7 th , to be followed on Thursday by another Freightliner locomotive movement from Crewe to Leeds Balm Road. On this occasion the loco was 66:548 with 90:010 in tow. Once again maintenance staff were cleaning and servicing station lighting, this time on Platform 1of Accrington Station. From Monday the 17 th , the summer timetable for trains came into operation, with enhanced services on The East Lancs Line and over 90 trains per day regularly timetabled to pass through

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