RAIL services are a vital lifeline to communities across East Lancashire.

But in recent years it's true that they have not had a good press as problems with comfort and reliability have put many passengers off travelling on some routes.

No one wants to stand around waiting for a dirty, noisy train which might not turn up, especially if that wait is on a bleak, windswept platform.

What's needed are better services that will attract travellers by offering a far more convenient alternative to our ever-more crowded roads.

And that's why the government-launched review of rural rail services is a little puzzling.

We are told that local councils and communities will be encouraged to actively promote greater use of under-used lines to make them more viable and attractive.

On the face of it that is a fine idea but in the background many will see a veiled threat of closure.

Of course people should be urged to make full use of public transport but there should also be more public investment.

Many European countries like Germany have appealing, efficient, well-used rail services but they are of higher quality than ours.

We should be making rail travel an irresistible option - not merely saying 'use it or lose it.'