“LONG overdue” and “much needed” improvements to a Bolton train station have been announced.

Transport bosses will spend £160,000 installing brand new customer information screens, CCTV, and passenger help points at Westhoughton Train Station.

It is being funded by Transport for Greater Manchester as part of its Rail Station Improvement Strategy (RSIS) which aims to make smaller stations more passenger-friendly.

Leader of Westhoughton Town Council, Cllr David Chadwick, said: “This is brilliant news for the travelling public and should make people feel more comfortable and safe while waiting for trains. It is a much needed improvement and long overdue.”

In 2005, TfGM (formerly Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive) undertook a rail station prioritisation study, aimed at identifying improvement measures at smaller rail stations in Greater Manchester. As a result of this study, the RSIS was established to improve existing passenger security and information systems at 51 designated smaller rail stations across Greater Manchester.

The stations were prioritised on the basis of passenger footfall and so far 27 rail stations have benefited from a wide range of improvements. We s t - houghton was one of eight stations identified for improvement to passenger facilities in the latest phase of RSIS.

work at the station, in Church Street, is expected to be completed in December.

Chairman of TfGM’s rail network sub-committee, Cllr Doreen Dickinson, said: “More and more people in Greater Manchester are choosing to travel by rail and it’s important that stations have the kind of facilities that improve convenience and security for rail passengers.

“Information screens are not only useful for passengers, but also boost confidence in the rail network, especially for those who don’t regularly take the train.”