Fylde coast 'losing out' on transport investment

The Fylde coast is losing out to big cities when it comes to investment in multibillion-pound transport projects, a councillor has claimed.

Paul Galley, leader of the opposition Conservative group on Blackpool Council, said the Labour government's recent infrastructure funding announcements amounted to a "two tier funding system designed to invest in big cities at the expense of places like Blackpool".

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged more than £14bn for tram, train and bus upgrades across England, but the latest announcements cover areas governed by metro mayors.

The government said it was "committed to delivering transport infrastructure".

Recently published investment plans have included £2.5bn for Greater Manchester's tram extension, £1.6bn for Liverpool City Region improvements and £1.8bn for a new Metro link between Newcastle and Sunderland.

Last month it was announced that more than £4m will be invested in improving bus services in Blackpool.

But Galley said key transport schemes on the Fylde coast, such as the long-awaited Fleetwood to Poulton Tram-Train link and the passing loop on the Blackpool South railway line, had been overlooked.

The Anchorsholme councillor said: "Blackpool and the Fylde coast is being ignored by Westminster.

"While we see billions pouring into Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, our vital local projects remain stuck on the drawing board.

"This isn't just about fairness, it's about unlocking opportunity for our residents, improving connectivity for businesses, and creating jobs."

The Fleetwood Tram-Train project, which would reconnect Fleetwood to the national rail network and ease congestion on local roads, has long been an aspiration for many in the region.

The Blackpool South line passing loop, meanwhile, is seen as vital for delivering a more frequent and reliable rail service between Blackpool, Lytham, and Preston.

It still lacks government backing, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Galley added: "When the government got rid of Levelling Up and focussed on elected mayors, I feared this would happen.

"The message from government is clear: unless you're in a mayoral area, your community doesn't count.

"It's time for our town to be treated equally, with the same level of investment and ambition seen elsewhere in the North and it should not depend on us having an elected mayor."

Councillor Mark Smith, cabinet member for economy and built environment at Labour-run Blackpool Council, said: "We're extending and improving our journey times, including those vital routes to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

"With the money we have received we can improve our infrastructure."

A government spokesman said: "We are committed to delivering transport infrastructure that will boost growth and opportunity across the whole country, as part of our Plan for Change.

"This includes investing in Blackpool, where this year alone we are already providing £4.2m towards better bus services, £2.3m of highways maintenance funding, £286k to enable better walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities and a share of the £34,945,000 Local Transport Grant for Lancashire Combined County Authority."

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