TRANSPORT Minister John Spellar is to discuss a new franchise for the Trans Pennine Express from the East Coast via Burnley, Blackburn and the East Lancashire line to Blackpool when he visits the area on Friday.

He will be in Burnley for a business breakfast but has promised the town's MP Peter Pike to discuss the whole question of the franchise and upgrading services.

The strategic rail authority promised an early decision on the franchise when it reported on Thursday but gave no specific timetable.

Mr Pike is demanding action on the issue and improvements for passengers as part of the new franchise.

In the House of Commons he asked Mr Spellar: "Will you come to Burnley at an early date to look at the need to improve the Trans Pennine Service that runs via Burnley where there is tremendous potential?

"Everybody in Burnley is hoping that the new franchise will ensure that we get the service delivery to which we are entitled."

Mr Spellar said: "I am to visit Burnley on February 7.

I shall certainly look forward to discussing the matter with you further during my visit."

Mr Pike commented after the exchange: "The Trans Pennine Service has great potential and provides a great corridor link between Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

"However, there is no doubt that we would benefit from more regular services, better trains and better stations.

"Burnley Manchester Road Station is unstaffed, and frequently the announcement system fails to update waiting passengers on delays to the service.

"If passengers want to travel on this service and get connections they must either pay on the train, or go in advance to Burnley Central to buy tickets there.

"Frequently the service is packed and would benefit from additional carriages."