A GROUP campaigning for the reopening of a rail link – which would provide a direct route from Keighley into Lancashire – is staging its latest meeting.

Anyone is welcome to attend the event, at the Herriots Hotel in Broughton Road, Skipton, on Monday, May 14, 7pm.

SELRAP, the Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership, will provide an update on its efforts.

It is pressing for the 12-mile Skipton to Colne railway line, which closed in 1970, to be restored.

Supporters of the scheme include Keighley MP John Grogan.

Transport for North is providing funding for a definitive study of the route by the Department for Transport, for completion by the end of this year.

A SELRAP spokesman said: “We have seen individual membership of our group increase to over 500, which reflects the continued interest in – and commitment to – reopening the Skipton to Colne line.

“The high level of support from the business community is also very welcome.

“Everyone is invited to attend the latest meeting.

“Those present will hear up-to-date details about the progress of SELRAP at this key time.

“Our information leaflet has also been updated.

“This is another tool to help spread the word about how successful the group has been and to encourage even more people to get involved.”

SELRAP estimates the total cost of the project would be about £100 million, depending on the option adopted. And it is hoped the line could reopen as soon as the early 2020s.

For more details, visit selrap.org.uk.