Kirkby. It has been proposed a new station at Skelmersdale would act as the terminus for Merseyrail's Northern Line, with connections available to Wigan and Manchester. Initial estimates suggest that the scheme could cost around £300 million to develop. On page 36 of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Long Term Rail Strategy document of October 2017, it states that Merseytravel is currently working with Lancashire County Council and Network Rail to develop a plan to extend the Merseyrail network from Kirkby through to Skelmersdale, with work completed in 2019. They are considering 3rd rail electrification and other alternatives with a new station at Headbolt Lane to serve the Northwood area of Kirkby. The document on page 37 states two trials of electric 3rd rail/battery trains were planned to be undertaken in 2020, as one of the "alternatives". 2019 Lancashire County Council approved a plan in May 2019 to commission an outline business case into reopening the station which will be presented to the government. 2021 Merseytravel confirmed in March 2021 that talks continue between themselves, Lancashire County Council and other partners about Skelmersdale railway station, in the context of additional funding being made available about Headbolt Lane railway station further along the Kirkby branch. On November 2, West Lancashire Borough Council were asked to contribute £43,000 with Lancashire County Council's £245,900 towards the Skelmersdale Regeneration Plan, which would include new shops, the railway station, and other benefits. 2022 Government reinforces that the station proposals are being considered. Rosie Cooper calls for the new Rail Minister to visit Skelmersdale, in order to aid the DfT's decision. However, the Department for Transport announced in July 2022 that it was rejecting the Strategic Outline Business Case, throwing the scheme into doubt. The DfT instead suggested that better bus links with the Kirkby–Wigan rail line would be a cheaper way of improving connectivity for Skelmersdale. References Sources External links Description via Disused Stations UK The coming of the railway The station on an old O.S. Map via npemaps Disused railway stations in the Borough of West Lancashire Former Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway stations Railway stations in Great Britain opened in 1858 Railway stations in Great Britain closed in 1956 Proposed railway stations in England Skelmersdale