They need to provide a 6 minute service to Salford Quays and Media City during peak hours on Monday to Saturday. So, they'd still need to find another service via Cornbrook to replace it.I’m sure it’s something they’ve considered and dismissed for reasons beyond my understanding. But, even though it wouldn’t suit me personally you’d maybe think having Bury- Ashton would make sense? At least that way you’re got one line not reliant on going through Cornbrook.
The Cornbrook bottleneck is the reason why Burnham wants to explore an underground line through the city centre, but I'll be dead before that's built...