Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Calder Valley Train Line

Thursday 12 February 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions have included options to improve Bradford to Manchester connectivity, including the Calder Valley line.
  • Plans for a disabled access lift at Todmorden station were initially announced in 2019 but have not progressed due to contractor issues.
  • Network Rail has taken over the project to provide an accessible route at Todmorden station and is currently conducting survey works.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Josh Fenton-Glynn Lab Calder Valley
Transport
Context

The question follows ongoing discussions on enhancing rail services in the region.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with stakeholders on improvements to the Calder Valley train line?

Answer from Keir Mather

Northern Powerhouse Rail will be the biggest transformation in travel in the north of England in a generation. Under NPR, officials will assess options to improve Bradford to Manchester connectivity, including consideration of the Calder Valley line. I know my hon. Friend has been a great advocate for electrification, and the Rail Minister will be keen to work with him on this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify recent stakeholder discussions or provide specific details about current plans for the Calder Valley line.

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Q2 Josh Fenton-Glynn Lab Calder Valley
Employment Transport
Context

A disabled access lift was first announced in 2019 for Todmorden station, but there has been no progress or completion date. A constituent raised concerns about the lack of accessibility.

Question

Plans for a disabled access lift at Todmorden station were first announced in 2019, yet six years later we are still waiting, with no lifts, no date and no accountability. When I knocked on doors at the weekend, a disabled constituent said she can get in a lift to travel only in one direction, because the promised upgrade has not come. I urge the Secretary of State to intervene, and to help me and local councillors finally to get this project delivered, so that stations in Calder Valley work for all my constituents.

Answer from Keir Mather

The project was originally remitted to Northern Trains for delivery, but the contractor was stood down from works in August 2024 due to unsafe behaviours. Network Rail has taken over delivery of the project, and it is currently undertaking survey works and option selection to provide an accessible route to and between platforms.

Answered
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