THE proposals from the Strategic Rail Authority for Trans-Pennine rail services are quite serious for local transport.

It appears that the current Trans-Pennine Express service from Blackpool to Bradford, Leeds, York, and the east coast, which operates via Blackpool, Preston, Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley (Manchester Road) is earmarkedproposed for withdrawal in early 2003.

It is surely vital that public transport links are enhanced, not done away with, for a whole host of reasons: economic, environmental and purely to provide a better service for all local people.

The Arriva Trans-Pennine service is much criticised, but it seems that the area will lose the service altogether under the SRA proposals.

The chairman of the SRA, Richard Bowker, is a local man -- he certainly cannot be accused of helping his own people if these proposals go through.

We have to fight this one hard before it's too late.

DAVID ATKINSON, Riddings Avenue, Burnley.