West Lancashire residents tell Conservative MP William Hague of local transport concerns

Jun 25 2009 by Janine Yaqoob, Ormskirk Advertiser

William Hague

FORMER Conservative leader William Hague came to Burscough to discuss West Lancashire transport plans – but only for four minutes.

That was the amount of time he gave the Advertiser to quiz him on local issues, which he said he didn’t know much about, despite having our questions two days in advance.

Visiting in his role as Chairman of the Northern Board of the Conservative Party, Mr Hague was greeted by a group of 25 people at The Waterfront pub, who responded to a Conservative transport survey.

Accompanied by Conservative General Election candidate Cllr Adrian Owens, the Shadow Foreign Secretary met Roger Bell from Ormskirk, Preston and Southport Travellers' Association (OPSTA) and Network Rail representatives to discuss the reinstatement of Burscough Curves and the proposed Skelmersdale rail ink.

Speaking on local transport plans, William Hague said: “The Conservative Party is determined to make the North of England's transport network stronger because we know a stronger infrastructure makes for a stronger North.

“I am in full support of the re-instatement of the Burscough Curves railway line and the restoration of a Skelmersdale line. I am glad this issue has been raised on my visit and I have been shown the old railway track behind St John’s Primary School, which could be put back into use, as well as discussing the findings of the recent Route Utilisation Strategy and Conservative plans to support Community Rail Partnerships.

“The plans are fascinating and there is a strong case for both routes to be restored.”