Work on the major expansion of car parking spaces at one of the busiest commuter stations in Bolton is due to begin next week.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) is jointly funding the extension at Lostock with Bolton Council through the town’s Transport Infrastructure Fund.

There are currently 55 marked parking bays and about 35 cars that park on unsurfaced ground at Lostock station each day. The expansion scheme will provide a total of 226 spaces, new lighting and CCTV.

Work is due to start at the end of October and is scheduled for completion in the spring.

Councillor Norman Critchley, GMPTA spokesperson for Bolton, said: “This is another example of how popular travelling by train is becoming in Bolton. Earlier this year we opened similar facilities at Hall i’th’ Wood and Daisy Hill stations.

“These extra spaces – which will more than double current capacity – are great news for people who struggle to find secure parking at the moment. I look forward to work starting and hope the end result will encourage even more people to travel by train.”

Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, Councillor Nick Peel, said: “The expansion of car parking facilities at Lostock is the latest in a series of work we have been doing with GMPTE to improve parking at local rail stations.

“It’s all part of our plan to improve the travel experience in Bolton for everyone.”

The work will be phased to ensure that, as far as possible, the current number of parking spaces will be available at the station throughout the expansion.