A PAIR of new railway stations in Bolton are among future plans being considered by transport authorities.

The stops would be in Dobb Brow and Little Hulton - near Logistics North - if representatives from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) decide they are feasible.

The plans come as part of the 2040 Transport Strategy Delivery Plan which sets out transport projects in Greater Manchester until 2025, but only the most cost-effective of the 22 new stations proposed for the region will be considered.

Cllr David Chadwick, Bolton Council's executive member for transport, said he was in favour of encouraging anyone to use public transport, but stressed that the plans are at a very early stage.

He said: "TfGM have done a study on new rail and Metrolink stations and they've decided Dobb Brow and Little Hulton stations were two of those with potential. All that this study is saying is that they will investigate in the future to see whether these would be viable."

The two new stations are part of the same scheme of works that has led TfGM representatives to consider potentially opening new platforms at Loston Parkway.

There are also plans to add additional park and ride capacity at both Horwich and Bolton stations, which will be investigated between now and 2025.

In a statement accompanying the launch of this week's draft Deliver Plan, a TfGM spokesman said: "TfGM is currently evaluating the feasibility of potential new rail stations and Metrolink stops in Greater Manchester, with a view to developing more detailed plans for a small number of stations that are likely to deliver the greatest value for money."

Adding: "The aim would be to deliver the schemes that offer the greatest benefits within the shortest possible timelines."

Other projects set to be considered include new road infrastructure with a rapid transit bus service between Wigan and Bolton and other improvements in the bus network to Salford.