RAIL bosses have signalled that work can go ahead to make life safer for passengers using a Bolton railway station.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North East, officially launched the £180,000 improvement plan yesterday at Bromley Cross train station.

National rail company Network Rail are using a spare piece of land in Sandy Lane, at the back of the station building, to create a safer exit for passengers leaving the station.

The comprehensive two-month refurbishment will include a new ramped wheelchair access leading to the Bolton-bound platform, handrails and special surfacing to help the partially sighted, and new light fittings for the station approach.

The safety improvements will meet Railway Inspectorate standards and greatly improve safety precautions for passengers.

At the moment, passengers walk along the platform and cross the track behind the stationary train to the opposite platform.

The new access route will take people around the back of the waiting room and towards the crossing gates. Access over that crossing is controlled by the station signaller and will only be given when it is safe.

Improvement work will also be carried out on the Blackburn-bound platform.

Tim Clarke, director of Network Rail North-West said: "Pedestrians at the station have been risking their lives by misusing the crossing between the two platforms. By improving access and providing an alternative route we hope to eliminate the risk of accidents."

Mr Crausby, who has been campaigning for safety improvements for some time, said: "It is vital that we continue to invest in public transport and I am delighted this money will be invested in the interests of safety at Bromley Cross.

"The station is is an asset to the community and is a very busy commuter link between Blackburn and Bolton."

When the original proposals were submitted to Bolton Council in April, concerns were expressed about a number of mature trees on the land which would have to be cut down.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Only the necessary trees will be removed and we will be landscaping the rest of the land as part of the development."