The continuing uncertainty over Northern Powerhouse Rail has prompted Transport for the North to describe investment holdups in its region as ‘very disappointing’.

The critical investments which were paused in the recent spending review included improvements on the East Coast Main Line north of York, Midland Main Line electrification past Market Harborough to Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield, work at Sheffield station to improve capacity and upgrades to the Cheshire Lines route.

TfN says all these schemes are important to the wider Northern Powerhouse Rail scheme, on which an announcement is awaited from the government.

Members are ‘frustrated’ at the slow pace of schemes, which are delayed by various factors, including the preparation of business cases as well as slow starts on site. They pointed out that delays lead to cost increases, and are planning to make a submission to the government on these points.

When the Board of TfN met this week it also bid farewell to Lord McLoughlin, the former transport secretary who has chaired the TfN board for almost four years.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: ‘I’d like to thank Lord McLoughlin for his contribution as we've continued to make the case for long-overdue investment in the North.

‘When he stepped in as Chair, we were looking for a political grandee who could open doors and make our case to government.

‘His knowledge and experience have helped us enormously and I wish him well for the future.’

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Louise Gittins, who has been vice chair – will become TfN’s  interim chair until new arrangements have been made.

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