RAIL enthusiasts' hopes that the Bolton to Bury railway line will be reopened have been hit by further plans to build on the former track bed.

The last train between the two towns ran in October, 1970, and the track was removed soon afterwards, but the track bed remains.

Developer Blackthorn Homes already has planning permission to build 50 homes in an old railway cutting between Long Lane and Hollycroft Avenue at Darcy Lever.

Now Ascot Environmental wants to build eight apartments in two-storey blocks on a cutting at Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe.

But rail campaigners say the route of the former line must be protected if there is any chance of redeveloping the track to provide an extra east-west route across England.

Peter Garvey, of the Greater Manchester Transport Campaign, said: "It's vital to protect these five miles as an alternative route to Manchester.

"Rail freight is on the increase and trains already have difficulties getting through Manchester Victoria."

Mr Garvey said development on the route was not so advanced as to rule out bringing it back into use.

"If fast trans-Pennine services were operating from Bolton, through Bury, to Leeds or York, travelling by train would be a more attractive proposition," he added.

Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon has protested against development on the route, which could link up with the Calder Valley lines towards Leeds.

"The more properties that go on the line route, the more its viability is damaged.

"Unless there's dedication to preserving the line of the route from the very top of Government, it will be lost."

The Rail Freight Group, made up of shipping companies, logistics contractors, port and terminal operators and retailers, supports the line's preservation and believes re-establishing the link could help cope with forecasted growth in trans-Pennine freight.

No-one from Ascot Environmental was available to comment on the proposals.