AN appeal has been made to ensure Rossendale’s prospective rail link to Manchester is not forgotten amid campaigning for quicker train travel from Burnley and Pendle to the city.

Plans to reinstate the Todmorden Curve to slash journey times to the city centre have been named as a top priority by both Lancashire County Council and the Pe-nnine Lancashire lead-ership board.

But civic leaders in Rossendale are adamant that proposals to introduce commercial services along the heritage line from Rawtenstall to Bury should still be pursued with vigour.

Rail specialists Atkins are reviewing the Rawtenstall link, which travels through Ramsbbottom and Summerseat, on behalf of the Ass-ociation of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA).

The study will determine whether a case can be made for establishing the rail connection, as opposed to widening work on the M66, the Valley’s current main route to Manchester.

Councillors have been told that there is still a £7million funding gap for the rail scheme which needs to be plugged before the initiative can be sec-ured.

Labour leader Coun Alyson Barnes said the authority had previously been informed that the money may be forthcoming from the county council’s transport funds.

She said: “Instead the county council seems to think that they want to support the Todmorden Curve.

“Where are we going to get the £7million from and how safe is the £15million that is currently on the table for this?”

Council chief executive Helen Lockwood said the scheme had support from the Greater Manchester authorities.

Mrs Lockwood said: “It is imperative that we get this rail scheme recognised in the next local transport plan. ”