PENDLE peer Lord Tony Greaves has called on the Government to scrap "tin can trains" that run throughout East Lancashire.
Lord Greaves, who lives in Colne - at the end of the East Lancashire line from Preston - said there was concern in the North West the new Northern Rail franchise did not include requirements to update its trains.
The Lib Dem councillor has now asked the Government why a demand for improvement was not made part of the franchise.
The franchise will run for almost seven years, with another possible two-year extension, meaning that trains already 20 years old would be likely to be used for another the before they are replaced.
Lord Greaves described some of the rolling stock as "tin can trains," adding that the four-wheel "Pacer" railbus units - particularly the Class 142 running in the North West - were no more than "stretched out local buses" and unsuitable for longer journeys than an hour.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 hereComments are closed on this article