I think they could start by having ticket gates at

Preston Doncaster Chesterfield Barnsley Meadowhall and Sheffield

https://newshubgroup.co.uk/news/uk/2bn-boost-to-transform-northern-englands-broken-transport-system

My thoughts on the issue with ticket checking staff at Preston towards Blackpool North(and South),is, are they value for money?
From a staff safety point of view,the guard on the train,its a good thing which means less disputes about paying etc.
Value for money not so sure,the cheap day turn up on the day return fare from Blackpool to Preston must be approx four pounds,will confirm later.
How many ticket checking staff are there at Preston over the period when the station is open.
If you are a serial fare avoider and got away with out paying all the way from London,you won't be too bothered about paying four pounds to get to Blackpool.
It appears that there are very few Blackpool to Preston only services ,Blackpool North is a staffed station
So the staff at Preston would be only checking tickets from three small stations between Blackpool North and Preston.
The trains from Blackpool South always seem to be very quiet.
As regards to Preston to London trains,I was at Preston for the first train of the day and their were two ticket checking staff on the footbridge
making sure that every one on the London bound train had tickets