Boost for train users in North Passengers in the north of England are to receive a boost after the Chancellor announced an investment programme including increasing capacity on the Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield. Improvements to the rail lines between Manchester, Preston and Blackpool and Manchester and Bradford were also announced as George Osborne said that investment in the area has been neglected "for years." Supporting further devolution of powers to the country's main urban areas, he said a £1.2bn deal with authorities in Manchester to support "growth-enhancing infrastructure" works was soon to be discussed.