A £35 MILLION shake up of Bolton's transport network could be in jeopardy.

The Government has expressed doubts about Bolton Council's ability to spend the vast sum given by Metrolink funding -- and wants to see a 10 year plan.

The council got the money as compensation after missing out on a tram link.

A modernisation of the town's run-down railway station, new platform at Lostock and a car park at Westhoughton together with vast improvements to bus services including bus corridors, new shelters and better lighting are already on the cards.

But Deputy Tory leader Cllr John Walsh says that what the council has come up with so far is not good enough -- and it needs to get its act together or the money will be lost.

"It is good news but we need to see a solid programme, otherwise it is money down the spout," he said.

Cllr Walsh says he want to see the train and bus stations moved to the heart of the town centre.

"Let's be bold about it," he added. "We need cheap or free bus services from the town centre to the market hall and Market Place, linking all the town so that people with heavy shopping can get around easily.

"It's all very well putting expensive bus lanes on main roads, but people need to get across town."

Transport officer Paul Goodman says the Government just wants to make sure that it puts together a 10-year programme to make sure money is spent the right way.

"It can always withdraw the funding if we are not making progress," he said.

"But we will be doing that over the next few months. It's not a threat, it's the normal precautionary measure."