A STRATEGY to ‘revolutionise’ the North of England’s transport links over the next 30 years has been unveiled.

Seven “corridors of opportunity” have been identified by Transport for the North where the movement of people and goods across the region could be improved, including East Lancashire.

Transport for the North, which represents councils and business leaders from all areas of the north, has revealed a draft Strategic Transport Plan outlining how a 30-year programme of investment in transport infrastructure could boost the north’s economy by £100 billion and create 850,000 new jobs by 2050.

Passengers will be expected to pay an additional £50 a year each if the proposals are accepted.

Lancashire County Council, one of the founding members of Transport for the North, has emphasised the need to improve east to west connections across the Central Pennines.

County Cllr Michael Green, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Advanced manufacturing in the aerospace and automotive industries in East and Central Lancashire, in particular, have the potential to be transformed by better connections across the Pennines.

“Lancashire’s defence industry also has the potential to benefit from better links with Manchester and Sheffield, where there are centres of expertise in materials and process development.”

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “I’m really pleased that there has been record investment in the Clitheroe to Manchester line that will benefit everyone in Darwen.

“The prize will eventually be getting a train direct to Manchester Piccadilly with all the connections to the rest of the country.”

The public are now being asked to share their thoughts on the proposals during a 13-week consultation.

A Transport for the North consultation event will take place at Blackburn College, Fielden Street, from 3pm to 7pm on March 1.