Council chief executive Steven Broomhead says it is time for a change on the railways

THERE’S a great deal going on with our railways.

Importantly Thomas the Tank Engine is to diversify his circle of acquaintances in a politically correct makeover made with the United Nations.

The 73-year-old franchise created by the Rev Awdry is being re-branded with an inclusive gender balance, multi-cultural set of characters as Thomas leaves his island home of Sodor to visit India, China and Australia.

New train characters are appearing, Astima from India, Young Boa from China and Shane from Australia.

There are also new female engines Nia, Emily and Rebecca. Perhaps our local rail system also needs a major makeover and some new collaboration to lead it?

Frankly, the current management arrangements aren’t working with major structural and communication issues between the train operating companies (Fat Controllers), Network Rail (Ringo Starr) and the Government (Big Boss Grayling).

What’s required is an integrated approach – possibly under the control of one body?

Such an opportunity now exists with the creation of the Transport for the North (TFN) which brings together the Northern private and public transport sectors. There is also another major rail player HS2 and that also needs to be brought in closer to the current position as it’s quite clear that it is operating totally independently to deliver its ambitious plans which will not as they stand, benefit our town.

I heard some encouraging news this week regarding the plans of Northern Powerhouse Rail (part of TFN) to deliver by the mid 2020s a new high speed rail service from Liverpool to Hull via Warrington/Manchester.

Perhaps we could even re-open Fiddlers Ferry and reinstate the old Arpley Station which closed in 1965 on the old Warrington/Stockport line? It would make an excellent interchange facility at Bank Quay.

This is the equivalent of the delayed London East/West Crossrail £15.4bn project. It is another example of escalating cost rail projects which can’t live within their means.

So if Thomas can have a makeover so should our railway system. A decent start is being made with the new Warrington West Station.

Our two main railway stations are not fit for purpose for a town of our size and prosperity. Businesses are increasingly attracted to areas with a good transport infrastructure.

We need a rail system that is reliable, cost effective, attractive and easy to use.

This should be a priority for our transport leaders.