A RAILWAY company has hit back at claims that crowded trains could cause a string of health problems.

The Government funded Rail Passenger Council is considering launching an investigation into the health dangers of travelling by train.

Researchers would carry out studies of commuters, taking their blood pressure, heart rate and testing muscle tension.

But First North Western, which operates the majority of services through Bolton, has criticised the move.

"It is absurd to suggest that travelling on a train, crowded or not, will endanger your health," said a spokesman.

At a recent Transport Select Committee Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon was angered to learn that some train operators may be deliberately refusing to lay on more carriages to ease overcrowding because it saves them money.

Some companies would rather pay fines because it is cheaper than hiring more rolling stock.

But First North Western denies this is the reason of overcrowding on its trains as they do not operate under a performance regime in Greater Manchester and so have never been fined for having too few carriages.

A spokesman for the company said the reason for lack of carriages in this area is a shortage of approved new rolling stock and breakdowns among its older rolling stock.

However, overcrowding on trains still concerns Dr Iddon.

He said: "Anyone using Bolton station during rush hour can see that there is a significant problem, where passengers regularly can not get on board a train because it is so full.

"Many of those who are lucky enough to be able to get on the train have to stand, jammed in like sardines, for the duration of their journey. These problems are exacerbated when a train is late or cancelled, or turns up short of carriages. Commuters are now seeking alternative methods of travel.

"I have been concerned for some time about the safety of my constituents who have to travel to work in these over-crowded cattle waggons.

"I would like the companies who run these services to consider what might happen should there be even a minor collision on these commuter routes when so many people are left standing in overcrowded conditions."