THE excellent letters by Damian Kershaw and LM Voiels in the Journal sum up the unacceptable stance taken by local Labour councillors and MP Andy Burnham towards what Leigh people actually want and what they are to get in the way of rail links.
They are all at least consistent (even though negative!) with Labour politicians unnecessarily closing Leigh and Tyldesley’s rail line (1969) and imposing an unwanted busway and HS2 line on the area.
They are continuing to press for both, ignoring the overwhelming opposition of local people to them.
This despite HS2 being unaffordable and environmentally destructive and evidence from other busways (in Luton where usage after opening was 43 per cent less than local politicians predicted and Cambridge where it is £36 million over budget!).
Labour’s record on investment in local railways has been atrociously low (including the Atherton line) – so we must hold our MPs Andy Burnham and Julie Hilling, and local Labour councillors, to account if we are to ever get proper rail links again for the area.
Derek Bullock NW English Democrats rail spokesman
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here