LEIGH’s MP’s mission to secure a new railway station for the town has been given a boost by transport bosses.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has contacted Jo Platt to inform her a study to identify new stations in the region will be launched this summer.

One of the options that will be discussed will be a two trains-per-hour service for a station at the Leigh/Kenyon Junction/Glazebury site.

Ms Platt said: “I welcome the news that TfGM will be investigating Leigh’s rail connectivity over the coming months.

“As I have said before, our transport infrastructure is restricting business and economic growth, employment opportunities and the life chances of our young people.

“Leigh is an amazing constituency to live, and bring up a family with.

“It also has good and outstanding schools.

“The town has a fertile ground for businesses to invest but without efficient and comprehensive transport connectivity we are being held back.

“Therefore, I hope this is the first step to improving our transport problems.

“I will continue to push this issue strongly in the Commons and highlight the importance of investing in our Northern towns.

“This will ensure all our communities benefit from the prosperity of Northern growth.”

The sites that will be considered will have a criteria assessing which has the greatest benefit and demand to have a station.

Previous reviews will also be considered in the study.

Ms Platt met up with head of rail at TfGM Amanda White to discuss the town’s transport.

In a letter to the Leigh MP, Ms White said: “We have discussed the longer term aspirations for connectivity of your constituency to the national rail network in the context of your constituency’s proximity to HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

“Intermediate stops along both routes are already

planned or under consideration in Wigan, Warrington, Crewe and Manchester Airport.

“Each of these destinations attract the same market for current long distance and intercity commuter passengers.

“However, the arrival of HS2 and NPR will potentially have a positive impact on towns

such as Leigh, by releasing valuable track capacity from the existing railway.”

TfGM confirmed it is due to have talks with HS2 Ltd and Wigan MBC which will include connectivity in Leigh.

In the letter Ms White also expressed her “delight” that the Leigh MP is pleased with the success of the Guided Busway since it opened in April 2016.

She said: “It has exceeded all expectations with weekly usage rising to around 55,000 trips and reaching a peak of 62,000 in the run up to Christmas due to increased leisure traffic.”