Rob Parsons

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to improve the poor road and rail connections between Manchester and Sheffield, describing the current winding roads and unreliable rail service as unacceptable. He identified stronger links through Northern Powerhouse Rail and a better road solution for the Woodhead and Snake passes as priorities. The challenge is complicated by the Peak District’s geography, protected land and decades of under-investment. The announcement coincided with plans to let regional mayors retain more local tax revenue, which South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard and the Northern Powerhouse Partnership said could support longer-term investment and infrastructure financing.