BOLTON North East MP who has long been a vocal critic of the train and network operators said his sympathy went out to Mr Hool.

Sir David Crausby said he had "no doubt" years of poor train service has had an impact on the town centre.

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The MP has been campaigning for a better Bolton train service for years and most recently has hit out at transport secretary Chris Grayling over the government's failure to hold companies to account for poor service and missed deadlines.

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Sir David said: "I think it's had an impact on Bolton town centre. It's clear to me the poor train service is bound to affect the town centre and we have enough difficulties with our town centre in recent years without things being made very much worse.

"I have no doubt it's had an impact and my sympathy goes out to him and it's a great shame people are working hard and not being supported by a transport service."