A COUNCIL leader has told Transport for the North to concentrate on trans-Pennine rail links instead of extending the M65.

Pendle borough's Tory boss Cllr Paul White said he doubted the feasibility of taking the motorway from Preston, Blackburn and Burnley into Yorkshire

He was reacting to TfN's confirmation this week that an M65 extension was part of its Central Pennines Study.

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said it would be ‘a game-changer for East Lancashire’.

Cllr White said: “Providing better East-West connectivity is a top priority for Pendle and we’re glad that the Central Pennines Study is considering this seriously.

"Whilst we acknowledge that TfN have to consider all options, we don’t believe the M65 is feasible and it’s likely to have a significant impact on Colne.

“Our preferred route is the A56 Villages Bypass which will complement the reinstatement of the Colne to Skipton railway line.”