PLANS to reopen Golborne railway station are being considered by transport bosses as residents, councillors and MP Jo Platt has piled more support behind the proposals.

The town's station was shut in 1961 but there has been backing over the years to bring it back into use and reconnect the town to the rail network.

Last week, Golborne councillors and Ms Platt welcomed around 50 residents to a meeting in which they aired their thoughts about the issue.

Ward councillors Yvonne Klieve and Susan Gambles approached Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) representatives to discuss the matter last year.

Leigh Journal:

Golborne councillor Yvonne Klieve

Cllr Klieve said: "Reopening the station is something people in the town have talked about for some time now.

"There has been a considerable number of houses built in Golborne and Lowton in recent years and a railway station would benefit the area.

"It is a possibility that the majority of residents are very much in favour of and feel it would be well-used, not just for work, but for leisure prospects too."

The Leigh MP discussed the station reopening in the Journal in her MP column last week.

Ms Platt said: "The plans to reopen Golborne Station are evidently the most credible and realistic option to restore rail connectivity to the constituency.

"After two years of meetings and campaigning both locally and in Westminster, I am enormously hopeful that as a community we can take these proposals forward.

"I will be fighting for connectivity at more than just one station, but with our lack of investment I believe it is important to firstly support the most achievable and realistic proposals."

The Labour representative added that she will be setting up a petition and campaign on her Facebook page.

TfGM confirmed it is discussing the plans.

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A TfGM spokesman said: “We are in the process of producing a feasibility study to look at the transport options in the Leigh and Golborne area, which will consider key areas such as demand, growth and economic viability.

“Consultants should be appointed in the autumn to lead this work, including discussions with local stakeholders, and will develop the options to Strategic Outline Business Case level to support future funding applications.”