A COMMUTER route into Accrington shut down more than 40 years ago as part of Dr Beeching's infamous rail cuts is to be brought back to life.

But instead of trains, horses and bicycles will be the favoured transport of choice ... along with walking.

Lancashire County Council has announced it is spending £220,000 on upgrading part of the old Accrington to Stubbins railway line, running between Accrington and Baxenden.

The line, which was closed in stages in the 1960s with stations including Baxenden, Helmshore and Haslingden going with it, has since become a popular walking route.

When complete, the route will part of the proposed national cycle route from Bury to Preston and, according to councillors, "offer people an attractive cycle and walking route into the centre of Accrington".

Talks being held with local users to see what surfacing local people want, but there could be a high-quality surface for cyclists and walkers and for nearly all the way a stone surface to please horse riders.

County Coun Jean Yates, Lancashire County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, said: "It is one of Lancashire County Council's objectives to make transport safe for all.

"The improved path will help Baxenden Primary School and Hollins High School, both of which want to encourage pupils to get to school by means other than the car.

"We hope to extend the path to St James Square in the heart of Accrington to create a high-quality walking and cycle route into the town centre in the future."

Money for the improvements is coming from Lancashire County Council and the East Lancashire Regional Park, a Government-funded initiative.