A PETITION calling for a commuter rail link to be restored to Rossendale has been signed by nearly 2,500 people.

It was launched by Jake Berry, the Rossendale MP, who has long campaigned for the rail link to Manchester.

Mr Berry decided to launch the petition after Lancashire County Council’s announcement on plans for transport across the region, which included plans for the new Colne Bypass.

Nearly 2,500 people signed the petition, which had the backing of local businesses like Doo Dahs, in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, and East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Michael Damms.

The petition has now been presented to Lancashire County Council and in Westminster.

Mr Berry said the development of a rail link was important to ‘everyone’ in Rossendale. He said: “I was overwhelmed by the support we had for our campaign to bring back a commuter rail link and I’d look to put on record my thanks to all the local businesses and people who got behind the petition.

“The support we’ve had shows just how important this rail link is to everyone here in Rossendale.”

There is currently no mainline rail services in or out of Rossendale, with just the historic East Lancashire Railway operating in the Valley.

In March 2012 Mr Berry led a debate in the House of Commons about developing the existing track between the Valley and Manchester.

Mr Berry said the link was essential to ensure that investors came to the area and would help commuters trying to get to work.