Plans To Reopen Line Move Forward

As some may know, thanks to the hard work of Poulton & Wyre Railway Society and continued political pressure on our local politicians and Members of Parliament, the Poulton to Fleetwood line was included near the top of a list of disused railways, put forward by Network Rail as part of the UK Government's Restoring Your Railway strategy.

On November 15th, 2019 the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, visited Thornton Station to meet society officials and said he was fully supportive and promised that he would make it a priority for his Government, when elected, to ensure the restoration of the line.

The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, then provided funding, under the Restoring Your Railway strategy, for Lancashire County Council to arrange for a feasibility study to be carried out and the Poulton & Wyre Railway Society was included as a stakeholder to give their expert advice to the consultants.

Full Steam Ahead

That study was completed in April 2021 and the Department for Transport has recently announced that the scheme should go forward and has given further funding to Network Rail to produce a detailed plan of work.

After closing to passengers in 1970 and finally to freight in 1999, the Poulton to Fleetwood railway looks set to be reopened as a commuter service after a gap of over 50 years.

Congratulations to all involved for their hard work and dedication.

Watch this space!