Mike Spall, chair of the West Lancashire Light Railway, said 'In an era of increasing pressures on heritage railways, we are better working in cooperation rather than in competition. The three organisations have always worked together – and many people are already members of at least two of the railways. Rather than three small organisations, we can now speak and influence with one voice. All three organisations will, of course, remain separate and distinct, with their own memberships and associated charities – but this agreement will open up further opportunities for each organisation'.