LEIGH MP Jo Platt has responded to residents' concerns her plans to reopen Golborne railway station may not benefit all towns with her constituency.

People have expressed fears bringing the station on Railway Road back into use would not be as attractive to them as reopening the base in Leigh, which was shut in 1969.

Some have argued it is just as easy to travel to Atherton's station for Leigh residents as it is to get to Golborne.

Jo Platt launched a petition to reopen the Golborne station, which has been closed since 1961, and it has secured more than 1,300 signatures online.

Ms Platt said “This positive, local campaign for rail infrastructure does not end at reopening Golborne railway station.

"I have always pressed for rail connectivity to as many towns as possible, indeed Leigh used to have five rail stations before the cuts in the 1960s.

“The Golborne proposals represent the most feasible, affordable and quickest options at re-establishing rail connectivity but I have been clear, this is the first step of the campaign and we need more connectivity than just Golborne.

“Proposals to reopen the station must also be in conjunction with improved public transport connections between all of our towns to reduce crippling congestion and ensure our whole community shares in the success this plan offers.”

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Ms Platt added "we must remain united in standing up for all of our towns" in light of there being a "withdrawal" of Government investment and "pitting towns against each other".

She also confirmed she intends to hold a community meeting in Leigh to discuss the proposals and answer questions from residents.

The petition can also be signed in borough libraries.