A VITAL transformation of East Lancashire’s rail links with Manchester could be back on track.

So far Network Rail and the Department for Transport have refused to fund the improvements to the line from Blackburn, which would lead to more frequent, longer trains.

But experts say the work is vital for the regeneration of the region.

A host of leading politicians, government officials and council officers met in Blackburn town hall on Friday to try and reach a solution.

Following the meeting, a new business case will be prepared for the track-doubling work, which is thought to cost about £8million.

And Jack Straw, Blackburn MP, who has lobbied government colleagues to intervene, said it had paved the way for short-term measures to allow four, rather than two, carriages to travel on the route, and signalling improvements to take place.

He said: “It was the most positive meeting I have been to.

"It’s been agreed to do an urgent analysis on what work needs to be done on the Blackburn to Bolton line.”

Mr Straw claimed previous studies had underestimated the number of passengers that would use the service if it was improved.

The talks were chaired by Blackburn with Darwen council leader Colin Rigby.

Also present was the council’s chief executive Graham Burgess, officials from Lancashire County Council, the North West Development Agency, Public Transport for Greater Manchester, the Department for Transport, and representatives from Northern Rail and Network Rail.

Mr Burgess added: “It was successful in that some progress was made.

“The case isn’t closed, put it that way.”