RAIL passengers travelling from Horwich Parkway could be given more car parking spaces.

The scheme is being considered by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Nick Peel, Bolton spokesman for the GMPTA, said: "There is money in the budget to extend the car park at Horwich and the council and transport authorities are in negotiations with private owners over land.

"We are aiming to carry out railway improvements across the borough because we need to make it easier for people to park and ride, which is part of our long term programme."

The issues of a lack of car parking spaces at Horwich Parkway and difficulty in accessing the station from the Spirit of Sport roundabout at Middlebrook were raised at the Two Towns Area Forum on Tuesday night.

Lack of parking at Blackrod Station has also caused concern, and some residents have been driving from Blackrod to Horwich station so they can park their vehicle.

Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Bernard McCartin, said: "The Spirit of Sport roundabout needs repositioning or improving in some way so people can access the station easier when coming from the Horwich and Bolton direction.

"When you go round the roundabout, you have to cross a lane of traffic to get to the station and you have to take your life in your own hands.

"It is always busy at the station and people park both sides of the road near the entrance."

But it is unlikely that the roundabout will be altered by Bolton Council, a spokesman for the local authority said.

Work is due to start over the next few months on a 75-space park and ride site at Blackrod, which has already been improved, costing £256,000.