§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what sources of public funding are available for improvements to the east Lancashire railway line; what decision the Government office north-west has made in respect of this project for regional challenge funding; and if he will make a statement. [11606]
§ Mr. WattsAlthough the proposal for improvements to the East Lancashire railway line formed an unsuccessful bid for funding under regional challenge in 1995, the Government office for the north-west is continuing to work with the promoters to examine other funding options, including the possibility of carrying forward some elements of the project through mainstream European regional development fund grant. Lancashire county council can also seek funding in 1997–98 through the transport policies and programmes process, by making a renewed bid for funds as part of the Blackburn/Hyndburn local transport package.