MP for Makerfield, Yvonne Fovargue, has visited Springs Branch railway sidings last week to view the construction progress on the new train maintenance depot.

The MP made her visit on Friday 6th July 2018.

The freight yard in Ashton-in-Makerfield is being adapted to stable and maintain 24 electric and 8 diesel trains for train operating company, Northern. This will create almost 20 jobs in the process.

The new depot, which will provide easy access to the electrified rail network and more flexibility for Northern to move their trains for the next day, will come into use from December 2019.

What did the officials say?

Yvonne Fovargue MP said:

“The decision to invest at Springs Branch is good news for the local economy, providing new jobs and contributing to the wider modernisation of our rail infrastructure. I was very impressed by the scale of the works being undertaken on site and the care that is being taken to minimise disruption for residents living near to the construction site. Once completed the ‘state-of-the-art’ depot will provide more flexibility to move trains overnight in preparation for services the next day.”

Chris Montgomery, programme director for Network Rail, London North Western route said:

“This investment, part of the Great North Rail Project, will provide a purpose-built train depot and is another step forward in transforming the railway in the north. Train customers, local communities, businesses, the economy as a whole – all stand to benefit from new and more frequent services.”

Liam Sumpter, regional director for Northern, said:

“Springs Branch depot is a fantastic investment; not just for the rail industry, but also for the entire local area.

“As well as bringing new jobs to the community, the depot and the flexibility it brings will help Northern run new and more frequent services, all benefitting local people across the region.”

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