Proposals for a new railway station at Cottam have moved a step closer.

Preston has been successful in a bid to land a share of £2.5billion from the government.

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Lancashire County Council’s proposal has been successfully shortlisted in the Transforming Cities Fund.

It includes the creation of a new parkway station at Cottam, as well as upgrading the rail lines between Preston-Blackpool and the links with East Lancashire.

Read more: This is where the new Cottam station would be

The county council has been given £50,000 to fund the business case for the final round of submitting against 11 other cities for the funding.

Cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning county councillor Michael Green said: “The Preston city-region is the key driver of Lancashire’s economy, and one of the fastest growing locations in the UK. We were up against some larger cities, so we’re proud to go through to the next round and be able to make our detailed case to the Government. This remains a competitive process and any success will ultimately depend on the strength of the strategic case that we make, and the value for money it offers.

“In the North of England, only the Manchester and Leeds regional centres out-perform Preston. And this area is key to the transformational ambitions of the Northern Powerhouse.

“Transforming Cities could unlock millions of pounds of investment to support public transport across the city region, helping us to deliver key public transport schemes such as a new railway station at Cottam, improved bus corridors and major junction improvements on Ringway.

“This builds on our successful work through the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, which is already creating new jobs, helping people to get around and boosting the economy through public and private investment.

“Congestion in some areas could hold back future economic growth. Our aim is to encourage more transport options, alongside new roads and other developments that will help to drive forward our economy.”

Preston’s bid was accepted alongside a bid from Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: Our great cities and their suburbs are home to world-leading businesses. The Transforming Cities Fund will help develop good bus, cycle and tram routes to transform their transport systems – making it easier for people to get around and get to work, school or the shops.

“We want to see more places like Preston and Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch benefit from better and more sustainable transport links to help the area flourish.”

Read more: See the latest politics news from across the city

Preston City Council are among the organisations who are backing the bid and have written in support of it.

Deputy leader councillor Peter Moss said: “We are pleased that Preston has been selected as being eligible for a share of the Transforming Cities Fund and we will continue to work with Lancashire County Council in developing the business case to secure the funding.

“Improvements to Preston’s transport network are an essential part of developing the city and this much-needed contribution from the government will hopefully bring significant benefits to both our residents and businesses in terms of better journeys and less congestion.”

You can see the full bid on the county council website.

What do you think of the bid? Let us know your views in the comments below

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