A DIRECT rail service to London would be a’ key factor’ in reviving Bolton’s economy, the town’s transport chief has said.

Bolton is the largest town in the country without a direct train service to the capital and with the recent electrification of the line, transport leaders believe it is the ideal time for that to be rectified.

Cllr Stuart Haslam, Bolton’s transport cabinet member, said the town is at a disadvantage to others in Greater Manchester.

He said: “Rail transport is an essential prerequisite for the regeneration of Bolton and its economy.

"Bolton is in the north of the conurbation is at a distinct disadvantage compared with the south of GM in terms of access to London, the West Midlands and other main economic centres.”

Up to the early 1990s Bolton had a through service to London but it was withdrawn under franchising deals.

Cllr Halsam said he had favourable discussions with previous franchise holder Virgin about a Bolton-London service but they had now lost the contract.

He said: “Approaches were made but because of the electrification project and its overrun, and lack of capacity, it was not then possible. Although Virgin who were then the operators of the West Coast franchise did give encouraging comments without definite commitment.

“Phrases such as ‘we are not averse to considering favourably the running of a direct service from Bolton to London early morning and a return one in the evening’ were used. They intimated there would be no problem running an empty train from the Longsight, Manchester depot to Bolton to provide the service from Bolton to London.”

The West coast service has now been taken over by Avanti Westcoast.

Cllr Haslam said ‘a business case needs making’ and he has raised the subject at Transport for Greater Manchester forums.

He is suggesting one or two services a day direct from Bolton.

Bolton North MP Mark Logan raised the matter in the House of Commons in September and contacted the Department for Transport to push Bolton’s case for a service.

Cllr Haslam said many obstacles to such a service had now been overcome.

He said: “The electrification of Preston-Bolton-Manchester line means we now link into the network to London at Manchester Piccadilly and capacity issues at Bolton Station have been overcome by the reinstatement of platform five.”

Paul Salveson, from Bolton Community Rail Partnership, said: “It would make such a big difference. Most importantly it would make Bolton a more attractive place for businesses to locate to with that link with the capital."