Date: 14/12/2009

The Secretary of State for Transport (Andrew Adonis): In July, I announced a £1.1bn investment in the electrification of the Great Western Main Line between London and South Wales, and the line between Liverpool and Manchester. In the Pre-Budget Report the Chancellor indicated that the Government is now going ahead with plans for electrification of further lines in the North West. I can today set out the lines and expected timescales involved. [From Mark Bartlett]

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A pair of Voyagers emerging from under the wires of the WCML at Euxton Junction on 28 September and joining the route to Manchester via Chorley and Bolton. The service would normally have continued south down the WCML but was diverted via Manchester and Crewe due to engineering works. Euxton Junction had been singled some years ago but in 2006 double track running onto the Chorley line was restored.
Location: Euxton Junction
Company: Bolton and Preston Railway
28/09/2008 John McIntyre

There is still a fine array of semaphores at Blackpool North. The eight platform roads are controlled by No.2 box, just visible, behind the middle gantry, but for how much longer?
Location: Blackpool North
Company: Preston and Wyre Railway, Dock and Harbour
13/08/2008 Mark Bartlett

A Pendolino being dragged south on 28 September 2008 past the site of the former Royal Ordnance Factory at Euxton, Lancs (also known as ROF Chorley). The large factory stood to the left of the tracks with office and administrative facilities to the right. The location boasted its own station, opened in 1938 as Chorley ROF Platform and renamed Chorley Halt by 1942. The station was closed by 1963 and subsequently demolished after the majority of the site had been redeveloped for housing and commercial use. Island platform remains can be seen to the right of the tracks on the weed covered mound.
Location: Chorley Halt
Company: Bolton and Preston Railway
28/09/2008 John Mcintyre