BOLTON commuters hit by a series of train cancellations were promised a better deal today.

North Western Trains said services throughout the region had been affected by a driver shortage often leaving passengers frustrated and late for work.

Problems surfaced in Bolton last week when a morning rush hour service to Manchester Victoria, stopping at Bromley Cross, Hall i'th' Wood, and Bolton, was cancelled three times.

But today North Western Trains promised the disruption would ease over the summer as more drivers completed training courses as part of a huge recruitment drive

Train bosses' commitment to provide 46 extra services in the region backfired when they realised there were too few staff to cover too many trains.

But spokesman David Potter claimed customers would see the benefit of a better service once drivers had completed training.

He said: "The problem has centred around a driver shortage and training courses take time to be completed."

Bromley Cross Cllr Alan Wilkinson said he was concerned Bolton was being particularly affected by cancellations and delays.

"Everytime I turn the radio on in the morning it seems to be Bolton which is hit," he said.

But Mr Potter insisted problems were spread over the whole area.

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