THE leader of Darwen Town Council believes steam engines can drive the town’s economy forward.

Coun Steve Duncan has welcomed news of a £483,000 facelift to Darwen’s railway station, but said ‘something extra’ was needed to draw more people into the centre, and encourage repeat visits.

He has called on rail companies to draw on the success of the East Lancashire Railway in Rossendale, and put on seasonal steam locomotives.

Coun Duncan said: “Investment in the railway station, whilst needed, will in itself not bring hordes of newcomers to Darwen. It needs something extra - and that something extra is seasonable steam locomotives.

“The Soldiers Support group of Darwen inquired about a steam locomotive for their 1940s day and were put off by an initial cost estimate of £40,000.

“But the Ramsbottom to Bury service that runs every weekend draws lots of people in, and shows how a town can benefit from a large number of enthusiasts and people wanting nostalgia trips.

“Why can't the private rail conmpanies look at running steam trains each Saturday from April to September and Christmas specials linking Darwen with Blackburn and Clitheroe, and possibly Bolton and Manchester?

“They are all market towns and it would benefit them all. Maybe they could also run a novelty Thomas the Tank engine for the kiddies.

“This would certainly pull the punters in, and running a regular service should make it cost effective for the companies. I'm sure there are many volunteers who would be prepared to assist.”

The railway station improvements, paid for by Blackburn with Darwen Council, will see a waiting area built to replace the two existing shelters; ticket machines on the platform; improving passenger information; and landscaping.