A NEW report has revealed that Rawtenstall is in the top five priority list for a new train line.

East Lancashire has been earmarked for development after rail bosses called for 40 new stations and 15 new lines to be created across the UK.

The Association of Train Operating Companies have stressed how important it is for the Government to cater for the record number of passengers travelling by train across the country.

Rawtenstall has been highlighted in the rail report as one of the top priorities for a rail link, behind Hythe, in Hampshire, Brixham, in Devon, Bordon in Hampshire and Fleetwood.

Atoc chief executive Michael Roberts said: “Our analysis suggests that in England there are 14 places where there could be a positive business case for a new line to provide access to communities each with a population of 15,000 or more but which are currently not served by rail.

“This study includes use of heritage railways to link major towns such as Rawtenstall.

“Today’s rail network carries 30 percent more passengers than it did 45 years ago on a network considerably smaller than it was then.

"We have established that there is a strong business case for investment to bring a number of towns back on to the rail network.”

Extra funding for commuter links from Rawtenstall was announced earlier this year.

The council is currently working on a business case to develop a service between Rawtenstall and Manchester, which could be run every 30 minutes during peak morning and evening times.

Coun Peter Steen supports the new plans.

He said: “ I am absolutely delighted to hear that Rawtenstall may be getting a new train line.

“The roads are jam packed at peak times so what we need is a commuter service and more rail facilities.

“It will be great for people in Rossendale and East Lancashire.”

It is hoped that major rail development in Rawtenstall would reduce pressure at Manchester, Rochdale, Bury stations.

Local councils will have a say on whether or not the railway plan will be given a green light.

It is estimated that the nationwide expansion would cost £500m and could serve more than one million extra passengers.