Funding will be one of the issues on the table when a SELRAP delegation meets with Rail Minister, Chris Mole MP, to discuss re-instatement of the Skipton-Colne line.

Reopening a railway has been likened to pushing a boulder uphill.

But if recent developments are anything to go by, the campaign to reopen the Skipton - Colne line as part of a new east-west route might more accurately be likened to rolling a snowball downhill!

The Lancashire and Cumbria Rail Utilisation Strategy, published in August 2008, stated that: "Should the promoters of the scheme to reopen the route from Skipton – Colne be successful in securing funding, then it is likely that this line will have been reopened."

An odd kind of expression, you might say. Until realising that this is a speculative look back from the future on Network Rail’s confidence that “our” line will reopen.

Indeed, within the 110 page report half a dozen specific references highlight the case for re-use of the Skipton-Colne route, citing reduced journey times, and much-needed increased capacity within this strategic trans-Pennine corridor, together with a raft of social and economic benefits.

The RUS also refers to the study into the business case for reopening the Skipton- Colne line carried out on behalf of SELRAP by JMP Consulting in 2007 and acknowledges the fact that it has identified a potential high level case for reinstatement of the line and services between Skipton and Colne.

The reference goes on to observe that the most significant issue now is how the scheme could be funded.

Mindful of this, SELRAP believes the case for reopening the Skipton-Colne railway is now proven beyond all doubt.

Conservative leader David Cameron MP is plainly inclined to agree. For on a recent visit to Lancashire, whilst acknowledging that funding for reinstating rail routes is an issue, he spoke in support of the restoration of the Skipton-Colne rail line.

And whilst in London, the group is also to meet with Stephen Hammond, Shadow [Conservative] Minister for Transport, and Norman Baker, Shadow [Lib Dem] Secretary of State for Transport.

Messrs Hammond and Baker are also to join a team of high profile speakers who will address delegates attending SELRAP’s Autumn conference.