Local politicians throw support behind proposed Rochdale-London service

A new high-speed rail service linking Rochdale with London for the first time in 25 years has secured local political backing. The proposed service, operated by Lumo, would involve six daily return trains between Rochdale, Manchester and London Euston from 2027.

FirstGroup initially proposed the service in May, hoping to bring a direct service to London back to Rochdale for the first time since 2000. The planned service would also call at Eccles, Newton Le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay before joining the West Coast main line towards London Euston.

Political support for the service has gathered pace with many of the regions leaders and politicians throwing their support behind the proposals at a meeting in Manchester on December 13.

Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, said: “The last direct rail link between my constituency and the nation’s capital was in 2000 and its restoration is long overdue.

“It would provide new jobs locally in the rail industry, boost our plans for regeneration and open huge opportunities for business and leisure travel.

"Having the word ‘Rochdale’ on the departure board at Euston would also help us to promote all the assets of our town and unlock the potential we have for tackling regional inequalities."

The meeting also heard from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, The University of Salford, St Helens MP David Baines and local council leaders.

Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce represents 4,500 businesses across the region. This transformative service proposal by Lumo aligns with the thriving business community, particularly in the rapidly growing tech, media and creative sectors, as well as the robust academic ecosystem in Salford and Manchester.”

If it is approved by the Office of Rail and Road, First Group is proposing to use electric trains for the service. The operator recently signed a contract with Hitachi Rail for the manufacturer to build 14 new trains. The initial contract does not include any trains for the London- Rochdale service.

There is an option if Lumo’s applications to run trains between London Euston and Rochdale, London Paddington and Paignton and extending the London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley service to Glasgow Central, for Hitachi Rail to build an extra 13 five-car trains.