Wanderers fans could soon get a ticket to ride to the new Reebok Stadium after transport bosses announced massive improvements to Bolton's rail network.

As well as a new Middlebrook station in Horwich, rail bosses are also planning improvements at Lostock station that could end parking hell for commuters and see two new platforms.

A £235,000 design and development study will now take place after Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's policy committee considered the results of an in-depth investigation into the future of rail services in Bolton.

The committee's vice chairman and Blackrod councillor, Kevan Helsby, said: "This is good news for all rail passengers in the Bolton area. "The authority is committed to improving services for train passengers and I am pleased that we have found money to develop these schemes further.

"Bolton Wanderers are re-locating to the new stadium at Middlebrook and a new station nearby would provide excellent public transport links for home and away supporters, those working at the new site and other passengers in the area."

The improvements proposed for Lostock station, which opened in 1988, include additional car parking spaces which will be welcomed by both commuters and Regent Road residents.

In the past the BEN has highlighted the problems faced by locals and commuters who have been forced to park on residential roads due to lack of space in the station car park.

Cllr Helsby added: "Lostock station has proved so successful that there is now a need for more car parking space.

"The authority is also taking the opportunity of providing extra platforms at the station.

"Hopefully we can now move forward to try and solve the car parking problem and improve the facilities at the station to encourage more people to travel by train." The improvements are being developed in partnership with Bolton MBC, North Western Trains, Railtrack, Bolton Wanderers FC and the Sports Village developer.

A GMPTE spokesman said: "The results of the development study will be presented to the authority in due course but it is hoped that the new facilities could be open by August 1998."

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