A shadow government minister has got on board with the Observer’s ‘Get Us Back on Track’ campaign and has pledged to raise it in Parliament.

Lilian Greenwood MP, who is the opposite number of rail boss Stephen Hammond in the House of Commons, has stated the current Todmorden Curve situation is ‘unacceptable’.

The £8.8m stretch of track will connect Accrington to Manchester and was completed earlier this month, however due to a lack of train rolling stock there will no services running until December.

Shadow rail minister, Ms Greenwood MP told the Observer: “It is unacceptable that, despite previous assurances, the Todmorden Curve is set to remain empty.

“Passengers had been told that the trains could be found to restore direct services to Manchester Shadow rail boss is siding with Observer but the collapse of the Government’s franchising policy has thrown the system for allocating trains into chaos, resulting in a track with no trains.

“I have already raised this issue in Parliament and I will continue to press ministers for answers.”

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones and Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle have also pledged that they will continue to fight for a train service earlier than December.

Mr Birtwistle said: “I’m pleased the curve has been completed but not having any trains is of course very disappointing, it’s like waiting for Christmas and then getting your presents in June.

“I have met with the Secretary of State for Transport and I will continue to campaign.”

Mr Jones MP added: “I have been speaking to Hammond again in the lobby and I can say that the government are coming under immense pressure.”

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