PENDLE'S civic leaders are rallying behind a campaign to save train services to Colne as fears the line could be closed continue to grow.

The railway line between Blackpool and Colne is on a Government list of 'rural' routes which need to increase passengers and decrease their reliance on subsidies. The Northern train franchise is also being reviewed and the Government is introducing a new Railways Bill which civic leaders claim will lead to a new wave of 'Beeching-style' rail closures.

A new body called a Community Rail Partnership is being set up across Lancashire and next week Coun David Whipp will ask his Pendle Council colleagues from all political parties to throw their weight behind what he claims is the service's only lifeline.

Coun Whipp said: "The Community Rail Partnership will be launched very soon and it is the only lifeline the Government is throwing in terms of keeping the route to Skipton open. Sadly, it's not a very strong lifeline.

"The House of Commons transport select committee said funding for partnerships is short-term and uncertain. However it's the lifeline we've got and we've got to make the most of it."

THe Craven ward member alsowants the council to call for the line's 'substandard' rolling stock to be replaced, the creation of services between Colne and Manchester and the reopening of the Colne to Skipton line.

He said: "The Community Rail Partnership is from Colne to Blackpool South, not much good unless you want to go and gamble at a super casino. We need a proper link through to Manchester which would really benefit people in Pendle. If the Colne to Skipton line were reopened as well there would be a proper through route connecting two major urban city conurbations."

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice has accused Liberal Democrats on Pendle Council of doing a U-turn by including the Colne to Skipton line in their proposals.

He said: "I am delighted the Lib Dems have changed their position with this spectacular U-turn. They have spent years and bucket loads of vitriol ridiculing and scoffing those working to bring back the railway."