Fears proposed train route changes could derail plans for new train station

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) recently revealed that the £15m scheme to reconnect Golborne to the national rail network was being considered.

But a Department for Transport paper on future services to Manchester could undermine the case.

The three options outlined in the paper all reroute services currently going via Wigan - which could stop at Golborne to pick up passengers heading into the city - onto the line via Chorley and Bolton.

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy says she is “gobsmacked” plans to axe or downgrade the routes are being considered and directly expressed concern about the effects on the new Golborne station.

Ms Nandy wrote a furious letter to the transport secretary Grant Shapps.

She said: “This is the second time we have had to fight off attempts to remove this vital rail link.

“The consultation also proposes to divert the fast hourly train which runs from Cumbria to Manchester Airport via Wigan, to Bolton instead. You may or may not be aware that the case for a station at Golborne, which campaigners in the neighbouring constituency of Leigh have long fought for, rests on this service.

“Can you confirm that you are proposing not only to break your promises to the people of Wigan but to the people of Leigh as well?”

Ms Nandy described the consultation as a “sham” and said running it during Covid-19 was “insulting”.

Transport bosses say they are scrutinising the details, but reiterated the potential of a new Golborne halt.

A GMCA spokesperson said: “The proposed funding for a new station at Golborne is welcome news and will provide significant opportunities for residents and regeneration for the area.

“The Manchester Recovery Task Force consultation has looked at timetable changes required to provide short to mid-term performance improvements.

“In parallel, work is continuing to refine the options and to confirm the operational feasibility and business case of each one.

"Transport for Greater Manchester is continuing to assess the options within the consultation and will provide technical assistance to the GMCA to make an informed response.”

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