PENNINE REACH RAPID TRANSIT SCHEME

That this House recognises the need to improve the efficiency of and access to public transport; further recognises the need to reduce traffic congestion on environmental grounds; notes the proposals by local authorities in East Lancashire to introduce the Pennine Reach Rapid Transit Scheme; further notes the widespread opposition to these proposals, particularly across the parliamentary constituencies of Rossendale and Darwen and Hyndburn; considers these proposals are ill-advised and will do nothing to improve the quality of life for residents of these boroughs; and calls on the Minister for Local Government to urge the local authorities concerned to abandon these proposals forthwith and come forward with a more acceptable and sensible proposal to improve public transport provision in East Lancashire.