Government backs Poulton to Fleetwood railway case

Wyre Council has received government funding to continue exploring the viability of restoring a railway line between Poulton and Fleetwood.

The project was one of 199 to pitch for support from the £500m Restoring Your Railway Fund but one of only nine selected to receive money to carry out further development work.

The fund has been introduced as part of the government's levelling-up agenda and seeks projects which will bring socio-economic benefits as well as the ability to reconnect and level up the community.

An initial business case for the line was submitted in April 2021 outlining three potential options to reopen the line including heavy rail, light rail and a tram system. This next phase will now see a more detailed business case put forward identifying the preferred option and associated costs.

Garry Payne, chief executive of Wyre Council, said: "This is fantastic news for Wyre and takes this much-needed improvement to local transport one step closer to being delivered. We have been working with local stakeholders for a long time now, prior to the government’s programme, so it’s great to hear today that the green light has been given to draw up more detailed plans.

"Restoring the rail connection from Poulton to Fleetwood is key to providing increased employment opportunities, links to further and higher education for young people, boosting Wyre’s visitor economy and for the overall regeneration of the area."