Train operator Lumo has won local support for its plan to run the first high-speed rail service from Rochdale to London in 25 years.

Lumo, which is an open-access operator owned by FirstGroup, currently runs services along the East Coast Mainline.

It now plans to run six return train services a day between Rochdale, Manchester Victoria, Eccles, Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay to London Euston.

Newton-le-Willows is the busiest station in St Helens Borough. It had a £19m makeover in 2019 and has a 450-space car park.

Lumo intends to start running this service from 2027, and says that it will provide 1.6 million more Greater Manchester residents with a direct link to London.

It promises that the three-hour service will save travellers 2hrs 15mins compared with current journey times by car. It also predicts significant savings in emissions, and at least 124 direct jobs along the route.

The operator has gathered support for its proposal from important voices in local politics and business. Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, David Baines, MP for St Helens, and Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron, Deputy Leader of St Helens Borough Council, assembled today (Friday 13 December) to show their support and talk about the benefits of the potential new services.

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, which represents 4,500 businesses across the region, describes the proposal as “transformative”. It points to the rapidly-growing tech, media and creative sectors, as well as academic institutions in Salford and Manchester, emphasising the importance of strong transport connections.

The University of Salford, which has over 26,000 students and 3,000 staff, pointed out that improved transport connections will benefit its staff and students, including its growing number of students from overseas.

Award-winning operator Lumo has submitted its plans to the rail regulator.

Last week, FirstGroup signed a deal with Angel Trains and Hitachi for new trains to be operated by Lumo. The trains will be built in the North East of Engalnd at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe plant.

“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.”

Paul Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale