Issue - meetings

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (enclosed).

Alison Marland, Principal Planning Officer (Chorley Borough Council) presented the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which updated Members on the Central and West Lancashire Rail Study.

South Ribble, Chorley and West Lancashire Borough Councils commissioned a high-level study to investigate potential rail improvements within the boroughs. This study was inspired by the possible funding available for new rail interventions via the Restoring Your Railway Fund, and the collective desire of the three authorities to improve rail connectivity on the Ormskirk-Preston line and to consider options for a new rail station at Coppull on the West Coast Mainline.

The recommended options shortlist focused on potentially extending the Merseyrail service from Ormskirk to Burscough Bridge (in West Lancashire), i.e. re-opening the Burscough Curves, and alongside that improving the service between Burscough and Preston, including potential new stations at Midge Hall and Coote Lane (both in South Ribble).

In the medium-term, the report also recommended considering further the proposal for a station at Coppull as capacity on the West Coast Mainline improves. Officers advised that option C (Coppull South) was likely to be the most feasible option presented.

Members welcomed the reports and the conclusions. Following discussion, it was recognised that a wider piece of work would need to be undertaken to look at connectivity to Preston and Preston City Council were keen to engage with LCC and consultants on this.

Decision: That the report be noted.