Blackburn depot have been route learning up to Hellifield recently so that would probably indicate that work moving away from Blackpool depot. I believe Blackburn depot also (will) sign the the branch to Orsmkirk as well as far as Wigan Wallgate due to the amount of through work from Blackburn. I don't believe any Leeds work is transfering at Present. It stays at Blackpool N for those jobs not covered by Leeds or York.
Route card should look something like this
Blackburn via Todmorden/Darwen - Manchester Vic
Manchester Vic - Wigan Wallgate via Atherton/Bolton
Blackburn - Colne
Blackburn - Clitheroe/Hellifield
Blackburn - Preston - Blackpool N/S
Preston - Orsmkirk
As for the loop I think Northern are trying to keep Vic - Clitheroe as contained unit diagrams as its just simpler that way. Saying that today one came in from Clitheroe and went out back to Blackburn via Tod in one move so it happens anyway sometimes.
Just a couple of minor points. Blackburn drivers haven't been road-learning Blackburn to Hellifield recently. The full drivers link from Blackpool North depot have been learning it. This would somewhat preclude the need for Blackburn drivers to sign it.
Vic to Wigan Wallgate via Atherton is not currently driven by Blackburn drivers. In order to retain route knowledge for transferee drivers "ex-Vic", a route refresh, Vic to Wigan Wallgate has been Incorporated into 1 docket.
The future routes to be signed by Blackburn drivers are somewhat unclear at the moment. The upcoming May timetable changes/additions, future Connect services, new traction, relative inexperience of the many new drivers et al are all adding to the complexity.
At the moment everyone (including staff) is guessing as to what routes will be driven by Blackburn. Established crew depots are loathe to give up/provide any diagrams as this has potential to adversely affect the donor depot in the future. The recasting of the timetable from May '18 increases many service frequencies/extending of some routes etc. Some of these increased frequencies/routes will go via Blackburn and it has been assumed that Blackburn drivers will operate them. This may not be the case. For instance, any traction stabled/refuelled/cleaned/serviced at King st depot will only be driven on/off by Blackburn staff, therefore they'll need to acquire and retain relevant traction knowledge. The 2 minute drive to/from depot/Blackburn station ain't anywhere near enough, standards are 1hr drive minimum. 158's are not diagrammed on any route currently driven by Blackburn drivers and currently do not operate in/out of King St depot. Thus no opportunity for minimum 1 hour driving.
The obvious logical solution may not be chosen if it'll put excessive cost-strain on depot training requirements, bearing in mind the relatively large number of new/trainee drivers at depot.
To sum up, current routes to/from Vic/Clitheroe/Preston/Colne/Ormskirk using current diesel stock 142's 150/1/2 153's 156's will more than likely continue.
Other routes are all up for grabs.