The threat to the rail link between Southport and Manchester Piccadilly was revealed earlier this year The Department for Transport has denied claims its plans to scrap a key rail link between Southport and Manchester have been called “undeliverable” by its own consultants. The threat to the link between Southport and Manchester Piccadilly was revealed earlier this year as part of proposals to “improve rail performance in the north of England”. All three options put forward for consultation in February included scrapping the direct link between Southport and Manchester Piccadilly prompting an outcry from politicians of all parties in the town.