FRESH hope has been given to long-awaited plans to improve transport links between Rossendale and Manchester city centre.

Campaigners for a new tram or rail link between Rawtenstall and Bury were dealt a blow before Christmas when people in Manchester voted against the introduction of a congestion charge in the city.

If the plan had gone ahead a multi-million pound injection of funds would have been made available to help pay for a new transport link.

Now the proposal is back on the table following the signing of a £400m deal promising to boost the region’s economy.

Part of the Pennine Lancashire Multi-Area Agreement, ratified Gordon Brown earlier this week, includes a pledge to invest in a new tram or rail link between Rawtenstall and Bury.

An estimated £4million annually in economic benefits have been identified across the borough if a better transport infrastucture can be secured.

Coun Swain, leader of Rossendale Council, said: “The multi-area agreement presents a unique opportunity to deliver significant improvements in Pennine Lancashire.

"It is a credit to all the authorities who have worked hard to develop the agreement, which will allow us to deliver positive improvements for residents and businesses in Rossendale.”

The Pennine deal could also see upgrades of the Clitheroe-Blackburn-Manchester Victoria line and the reinstatement of the Todmorden Curve, allowing faster services to and from Burnley.

Last year the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive commissioned a study, showing that the Rawtenstall scheme should cost around £30million.

The investigation also showed that journey times between Rawtenstall and Manchester Victoria could be just 34 minutes, with the possibility of a half-hourly service mooted.

Supporters of the scheme also say the works could help to relieve traffic congestion on the M66 and A56 running through Rossendale, the route currently favoured by commuters.

The line between Rawtenstall and Bury’s Bolton Street station is currently run by the private East Lancashire Railway with stops at Irwell Vale, Summerseat and Ramsbottom.