Calderdale Council leader Tim Swift has welcomed reports that the Government is set to end the failing Northern Rail franchise – but has warned that this is just the first step towards restoring a
reliable and efficient train service on the Calder Valley line.

“It’s essential that Government ends the failing Northern Franchise and takes more direct responsibility”, Cllr Swift says. “But this is just the start. There are huge underlying problems which still have to be addressed.

“Government needs to be honest with rail travellers and local communities about what happens next. If they are to restore trust and confidence, then there needs to be a clear action plan. The new operators must provide clear milestones and publish regular updates on the progress they are making.

“The Calder Valley line is essential to our communities and our economies. Too many people have suffered for too long from overloaded and unreliable trains. We welcome the fact that the Government looks set to act to end the franchise, although we believe this should have been done sooner. Now we need clarity about what will be done to get the services back on track.”

Cllr Swift has written to Secretary of State to Grant Shapps to set out his concerns, and to make the case for future improvements to the Calder Valley Line. You can read his letter here.