AROUND £12million per year could be injected into Burnley’s economy once the full impact of the reopened Todmorden Curve is felt.

And East Lancashire overall is set to reap a £20m per year dividend.

The borough is already home to some of the leaders in their respective fields, from aerospace giants Aircelle and sound technology specialists AMS Neve, to window kings Veka and a host of emerging engineering concerns.

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Not only is the faster link to Manchester set to open up a massive jobs market for residents, but top-level employers can become more accessible to ambitious staff looking to seize opportunities in Burnley, previously named ‘most enterprising town in the UK’.

Cllr Mark Townsend, the leader of Burnley Council, said: “We’re delighted to have a direct service to Manchester from Burnley again.

“It will bring clear benefits to our economy in terms of access to the job market and establishing Burnley as a commuter town.

“Our outstanding countryside is even easier to reach for visitors. It’s a real milestone in our continuing success story and one to celebrate.”

And leading business and government figures are already talking about Burnley in terms of the eagerly-anticipated ‘Northern Powerhouse’, with more opportunities for the borough to become a player of regional significance.

Mike Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This project connects Burnley to the outside world. It will lift the expectations of the population and that kind of thing is almost intangible.

“But this is not just about connecting the middle of Burnley to Manchester, it is about giving Burnley people access to one of the country’s economic powerhouses.”

Mr Damms is convinced that the likes of Aircelle, AMS Neve, BCW Engineering, Boohoo and Veka will thrive under the new conditions.

He said: “You can also think about the regeneration of the Weavers’ Triangle and the hopes of attracting creative industries to Burnley, in such an attractive setting.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This government is committed to transforming rail services in the north of England as part of our ambitious plans to build a Northern Powerhouse.

“Todmorden Curve is an example of the significant investment being made in the region’s rail network, in order to provide more seats, more services and better journeys for passengers. It will make a real difference by opening up better access to job opportunities, helping to secure economic growth.”

County councillor John Fillis, Lancashire’s cabinet member for transport, said: “This will extend opportunities for local people and have a real impact on the economy.”