EXPANDING the capacity of Bromley Cross train station's car park is "absolutely essential" to residents, according to a Bolton MP.

Sir David Crausby, representative for Bolton North East, said the area around the station is consistently "blocked up" with cars as commuters have nowhere to park.

The MP has taken the issue to Network Rail, the body responsible for rail infrastructure in the UK, although the organisation says the funds are not available to expand the car park but has referred the issue to Transport for Greater Manchester.

Sir David said: "This is huge. I think it's very important for people who live in Bromley Cross and don't actually catch the train because the whole area is blocked up with cars.

"It's not good for anybody at the moment and an increase in parking is absolutely essential."

He said that the issue had initially been raised at a meeting with Network Rail representatives in April.