Todays report of the Association of Train Operators lists Skelmersdale as one of the towns proposed for a new train station. Their report on expanding the train network has come about because of the massive increase in train use over the past ten years and the investment from both Government and train operators.

This would be great news for Skelmersdale. The appendix relating to Skelmersdale states:

Skelmersdale:
• Station: Skelmersdale (potential for additional station
at Westhead, but not evaluated).
• Population: 39,000.
• Location: six miles west of Wigan.
• Catchment area: Skelmersdale new town.
• Current rail access: via Kirkby, Upholland or Wigan.
• Proposed link: single track electrified line, using the formation
of the former Ormskirk – Rainford Junction line. 3 miles long
from Ormskirk.
• Formation: mostly intact, but deviation to north of
Westhead required.
• Indicative capital cost: £31m.
• Train service: four trains per hour, extended from Ormskirk.
• Notes: station would be on north west corner of town near
the Skelmersdale Ring Road.

A shame that the report also lists the Burscough Curves as having been reviewed, but isn’t then listed in the proposed projects. Their argument being that it doesn’t satisfy the business tests. A shame because there certainly seems to be a demand locally.

However, the fact that a Skelmersdale train station has been recognised nationally, and by the train operators, is something to be welcomed.