The government today announced a £72 million boost in a 'new approach' to improve train services in Manchester and the north.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), this means "passengers across the North are set to benefit from fewer delays and more reliable trains".  

However, the said 'new approach' involves the cancellation of existing plans for two additional platforms at Manchester Piccadilly.

A statement from DfT said: "In order to deliver for passengers quickly while providing value for money for taxpayers, Network Rail has today withdrawn a previous planning application for rail infrastructure work in the city."

The statement also adds that the Manchester Task Force – a cross industry body, including representatives of Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester, Transport for the North and local train operators - has been asked to consider 'alternative options', in lieu of the cancelled plans. 

This decision does not come without frustration from local residents; plans for Piccadilly platforms 15 and 16 were in development for 10 years, and some see the cancellation as time wasted and an opportunity lost, especially given that it targets areas further away from Stockport. 

Nonetheless, DfT and Network Rail maintain that this new approach is a positive step. 

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail's managing director for the North West and Central region, said: "We're removing our previous planning application so we can move forward with a new approach, something we'll be consulting residents and businesses on later in the year."

DfT has similarly said that withdrawing the plans for Piccadilly platforms 15 and 16 "will enable all options to be considered". 

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: "This new investment will help make train services more reliable for the people of Manchester and beyond, marking another milestone in a decade's worth of rail improvements across the region."

Indeed, the government says that this £72 million package will help reduce delays, bottlenecks and crowded stations. 

As it stands, the funding will deliver another platform at Salford Crescent on the opposite side of Manchester, as well as general track improvement work across north Manchester.  

DfT state that the funding aims to build on the £84 million boost granted last December, which also aimed to reduce delays. Following this boost, delays were down 40% from 2019/20. 

Both investments coincide with the trailblazer devolution deal, committed to supporting reforming local rail in the region, including pilots of Pay-As-You-Go ticketing and integrated London-style transport on the Bee network.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter