LEIGH has been without a railway station since May 3, 1969 but plans are afoot to get the town back on track.

If plans get the go-ahead from the Department of Transport, Leigh could be connected to the Government's flagship HS2 line.

Ged Tyrrell from Transport for Leigh said: "Transport for Leigh are relaunching their attempts to persuade the Government to open a station at the start of their flagship rail scheme HS2.

"A railway station in Leigh will be a huge boost to the local economy and it will enable people who live in Leigh and surrounding areas to commute to major cities such as Manchester, London and Liverpool with ease."

The group has secured the support of the Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Smith of Leigh and the plans will be revealed this afternoon at a conference involving Lord Smith, Leigh MP Andy Burnham and TfL representatives at Leigh Sports Village.