A SCHEME to improve transport links at Blackrod train station is moving full steam ahead.

A government grant under the Rural Bus Challenge Initiative announced recently will see bus and taxi interchanges at the station improved.

There will be better public transport access to the station and an improved area for people waiting for local bus and taxi services as well as clearer information about connections with train services.

Full details about the scheme are still being worked out and proposals will be put before the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's policy committee in early summer.

Shared

The £651,000 grant will be shared with similar schemes at stations in Greenfield and Glazebrook as well as the implementation of taxi sharing schemes in Ramsbottom and Longdendale.

Authority vice-chairman and Bolton councillor Guy Harkin said he was "delighted" with news of the grant which should make Blackrod station more accessible.

"These improvements are vital to local residents who wish to take advantage of new employment opportunities provided at developments such as Middlebrook and in Bolton town centre and might, we hope, encourage people who presently use their cars to travel to Bolton to opt for travel by public transport instead," he said.

Blackrod councillor and authority member Cllr Kevin Helsby added: "It is very good news for the residents of the Blackrod area and, in the long term, for the environment."

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