A rail expert says a long sought-after reinstatement scheme in East Lancs could be ‘third in the queue’ nationally for support from the new government.

Campaigners from the Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP ) say talks since the General Election have raised hopes of reinstating the 12-mile link between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Their long-term aim is to expand connections west to east, linking Colne and Lancs with Skipton, Bradford and Leeds. The link closed in the 1970s.

Retired journalist Steve Broadbent, who worked for Rail magazine and for regional train firms, told SELRAP's latest meeting in Colne: “The new government could get a lot of good news by running a rail line through deprived areas for not much money. 

"There aren’t a lot of rail openings but there are some developments, such as the Leamside line between Newcastle and County Durham.

"That’s been talked about for years. Now the government is talking about reopening it with the Tees Valley Combined Authority. That’s important.  We can be reasonable optimistic that SELRAP is in the queue. Maybe third?”

His assessment has come amid recent talks between the Prime Minister and regional mayors in July on rail and bus devolution.

Mr Broadbent added: "The previous government’s Reinstating Your Railways project was also scrapped. That was well-meaning but only had £500m to reverse the Beeching cuts of the 1960s.

"It was grossly under-funded and a lot of money was spent on paperwork.  I’m not sad it’s gone. The new government can focus on particular projects. ”

He welcomed recent progress on Clitheroe to Hellifield and Settle-Carlisle train links restored in July.

Further discussions have also taken with Bradford City Council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, who is also the transport committee chair for West Yorkshire Combined Authority and a Transport for the North (TfN) member.

Mr Broadbent said: "I understand she has been asking for more information and briefing herself about the implications for West Yorkshire regarding Skipton to Colne. She would not have attended unless she thinks this is a good idea. And she has links to Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire’s Mayor, another key person.”

New Clitheroe and Pendle MP Jonathan Hinder also referenced the rail link bid in his maiden House of Commons speech.