A USERS watchdog is hoping that plans for a fast train route through East Lancashire are not derailed.

The Blackburn and Bolton Line Rail Users' Group is worried that the so-called TransPennine Express 'roses rail link', which connects the Fylde Coast with the East Coast via East Lancashire and Leeds, will be scrapped.

New rail franchises are currently being drawn up and the group fears the route through Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley will be sidelined in favour of those via Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield.

First Group, Arriva and Connex are all bidding for the route but when the plans were put out the map did not include the crucial East Lancashire commuter route.

MPs have constantly pressed for it to be included, though the rail users group still fear for its future.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has also called for the route to remain.

Secretary Bob Hayes said: "None of the three contenders for the franchise appears committed to the East Lancashire route.

"Arriva omits the East Lancashire route from its map and First Group refers to it as a 'secondary aspiration' and 'local service'. Connex have not yet informed us of its proposals."

Mr Hayes went on to say the route was an essential lifeline for East Lancashire and should be developed not downgraded.

An announcement, expected in March, is now likely to be announced in September.