A £25 million bus and train interchange has been promised for Bolton — if controversial plans for a congestion charge go through.

The glass structure is the jewel in the crown of a package of public transport improvements planned for the borough as part of a £3 billion Government investment across Greater Manchester.

The interchange would be built on land between Great Moor Street, Newport Street, Trinity Street and Blackhorse Street by 2012.

It would see a new bus station built closer to the existing railway station, with a covered walkway linking the two.

Council officials believe it is crucial to the ambitious redevelopment of the town centre, which will also see a £11 million public swimming pool, health centre, magistrates court and cinema built.

But the Government cash for the interchange and all the other public transport improvements will only come if the proposed congestion charge for peak-time travelling in and out of Manchester is accepted by councils and the public.

Read more about this story in Wednesday's edition of The Bolton News.