Rochdale could see new direct train route to London within four years

Friday, 17 May 2024 17:13

By Adam Clark

Rochdale could see a new direct train route to London as soon as 2027.

FirstGroup has submitted the first phase of an application for a new open-access rail service to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), restoring this direct link for the first time in almost a quarter of a century.

The proposal are for six return journeys a day aiming to restore a direct Rochdale to London link via Manchester Victoria which last ran in the year 2000.

The trains will run from Rochdale to London Euston, calling at Manchester Victoria, Eccles, Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay.

It is anticipated that services could begin in the 2027 calendar year.

Graham Sutherland, FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer said: “We have extensive experience of running open access rail operations and we want to bring our successful Lumo service to this new route that connects Rochdale and London.

"We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with open access, as well as the positive effect it has on the wider market, including economic and environmental benefits.

"In addition, the new service will help to drive modal shift from road to rail between the North West and London. We will be working closely with stakeholders as we build our application and our case for this new service.”

Daniel Meredith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Rochdale Council added: "A step in the right direction for rail users within Rochdale Borough. Rochdale is on the up, no matter how much certain people talk our town down.

"Our rail strategy, is key to delivering a green sustainable transport to residents across the Borough, improving housing options (not just for new residents but the existing community) and working with local businesses to build on our vibrant economy.

"Electrification and high-speed rail is essential for connecting our city hubs and surrounding towns."

A consultation period will now follow, as well as a discussion with Network Rail to secure the required approvals.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team pays tribute to long serving volunteer Geoff Seddon

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team has announced the death of veteran volunteer Geoff Seddon, saying the team is devastated following what it described as a short but brutal battle with cancer.
Three floors of iconic town centre building could be turned into flats

Three floors of an iconic building at the heart of Bury’s nightlife ‘strip’ could be turned into flats. Developers plan to renovate the upper levels of the former Silver Chambers at 8 to 12 Silver Street into nine apartments.
Community walking group 'Mayfield Movers' set to start in 2026 to promote active living

A new community walking initiative called Mayfield Movers is set to launch in 2026, with the goal of improving physical health, reducing isolation, and strengthening community ties across the borough.
My 5 years at Westminster were dominated by Brexit paralysis

After five years in Westminster, Liz McInnes is finding joy in getting stuck into her role as a local councillor.
2025 was the year Roch Valley Radio became your newsroom

When Rochdale Online closed its doors earlier this year, Roch Valley Radio stepped up to ensure the stories from the boroughs we serve didn’t go untold.
Hopwood Hall College Principal among North West recipients of OBE in King's Honours List

The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Hopwood Hall College has been named in the King’s New Year Honours List, recognising her long-standing contribution to education in Rochdale and across Greater Manchester.
Radcliffe commentator Clive Tyldesley honoured with OBE in New Year list

Veteran football broadcaster Clive Tyldesley, who grew up in Radcliffe, has been awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026.
Rochdale Lioness Keira Walsh awarded MBE in New Year Honours

Rochdale-born footballer Keira Walsh has been named in the King’s New Year Honours list, receiving an MBE for her services to the sport.
Bury mountain rescue volunteer honoured with MBE for five decades of service

A long serving mountain rescue volunteer from Bury has been recognised in the New Year Honours for more than fifty years of lifesaving work across Cumbria and the Lake District.
Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt awarded CBE in New Year Honours

The Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester has been recognised in the New Year Honours for his role in delivering major changes to public transport across the city region.
Senior GMP detective to receive King’s Policing Medal for disaster victim identification work

A senior Greater Manchester Police detective is to be recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for his work supporting victims and bereaved families following major incidents and complex deaths.
Chadderton fire service specialist awarded MBE for work supporting burn victims

A fire service specialist from Chadderton has been recognised in the New Year Honours for his work supporting burn victims and developing a pioneering programme to prevent deliberate fire setting.