Passengers in the North West will have more say on how local rail services are run after the service designation of the Bentham Line as a community rail service, Rail Minister Norman Baker announced.

Designation of the line between Leeds to Morecambe will enable train companies to work more closely with the Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe Community Rail Partnership to better design services to meet local needs.

Community Rail Minister Norman Baker said:

“I want to encourage communities to become more closely involved with their railways to help create the services and stations passengers deserve.

“That’s why I am delighted to announce this latest community rail service designation. Today’s designation is a major step towards helping the Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe Community Rail Partnership work closely with local groups to provide innovative and more cost effective rail services for their community.“

Ian Bevan, Managing Director of Northern Rail, which runs services on the route, said:

“The designation of the Bentham Line is fantastic news for the local community. As this route is integral to the area, its designation ensures it will be developed to benefit local people and visitors to the region. We look forward to working with the community rail partnership to enable the route to prosper as much as possible.”

Councillor Richard Rollins, Chairman of the Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe Community Rail Partnership said:

“This is excellent news. Designation will enable the Community Rail Partnership to work in partnership with the local community to make significant developments along the line. Key objectives include station improvements and service developments.”