Railway bosses must listen to local concerns
14th of October, 2025
Saddleworth Parish Council is currently putting together its response to the works on the railway line that were submitted to the Secretary of State for the Transpennine Route Upgrade through Saddleworth.
While the Parish Council supports the overall project, in particular the delivery of a longstanding commitment to overcome the limited access to the Huddersfield-bound platform at Greenfield, there are a number of concerns the Parish Council wants addressed.
In particular, the proposed closure of Moorgate Halt is a real issue, particularly when the alternative route involves expensive works on a steep path which leads out on to the main road at a location where there is no footpath.
There are further concerns over the length of the road closures, particularly in Diggle; the lack of a drop-off and pick-up point at Greenfield Station; the number of compounds on green spaces, particularly where they involve cutting down mature trees; and the failure to identify the location of bat roosts in the vicinity of the viaduct.
Parish Council chair Helen Bishop said: “The level of consultation on this has been poor, and we are deeply unhappy with the way that this seems to be being presented as a done deal.
“While there are significant improvements to the line as a whole and access to Greenfield Station – which is to be welcomed – we want to make sure that this work delivers the most for the people of Saddleworth, and in the best way.”
The Parish Council will also look for a commitment from the railway companies to two stopping trains per hour at Greenfield, and a combination of routes to Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria.
A public meeting about the works will be taking place at Saddleworth Civic Hall on Tuesday 2nd December at 6pm.
The meeting is aimed at informing local residents and businesses about the The Transport and Works Act Order(TWAO) application, what it means for Saddleworth and how to comment on it.
The Transport and Works Act Order(TWAO) is available to view online here, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stalybridge-and-diggle-saddleworth-transport-and-works-act-order and in hard copy format at Greenfield library.