MP Renews Push to Reopen Fleetwood’s Long-Lost Rail Link

A Lancashire MP has renewed calls for the return of a rail connection to Fleetwood, arguing that one of the country’s largest towns without a train service is being held back by poor transport links.

Lorraine Beavers, Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, raised the issue in the House of Commons, highlighting that the town’s single main road is often heavily congested. She said improved rail connectivity was essential for tackling inequalities in health, education and economic opportunity.

Fleetwood’s main station closed in 1966 during the Beeching Cuts, and the remaining branch line operated until May 1970, when passenger services were withdrawn entirely. The town has had no rail service since.

“Businesses want it and our community needs it too,” Beavers said.

‘Opening Up Opportunities’

Addressing ministers, she added: “The cul-de-sac of Thornton and Fleetwood in my constituency once had a railway line that served the community well. Now there is only one main route in and out by road. It is recognised that this lack of connectivity contributes to health, wealth and educational inequalities.

“Will the minister meet with me to discuss reinstating the Fleetwood-to-Poulton rail link, to open up opportunities for people in my community?”

Beavers later noted that although the government has spoken about improving links between the North and South, progress also depends on Lancashire County Council — currently led by Reform UK — which she said would need to put forward a business case to advance the project.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, she emphasised that support from County Hall was essential.

Council Response

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said the authority had previously worked closely with the Department for Transport on proposals to restore the Poulton-to-Fleetwood line under the now-scrapped national Restoring Your Railwayprogramme.

They added that the region’s new Local Transport Plan — being developed by the Lancashire Combined County Authority — is currently open for consultation until 30 November and will help determine future transport priorities.