A NEW park and ride scheme has opened at a busy train station and another is due later this month.

The first car park at Hall i'th' Wood station, with spaces for 30 cars was officially opened this week, and the new car park at Daisy Hill station, with 74 spaces, is scheduled to open by Friday, July 19.

They are purpose-built, with designated bays, fencing and street lighting. The one at Daisy Hill will also have CCTV cameras.

Both have been built by Bolton Council and funded by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) with the Transport Infrastructure Fund, at a cost of £750,000.

The new car parks will mean more commuters and shoppers will be able to park for free at local stations before travelling into Bolton town centre.

GMPTA spokesman for Bolton Cllr Norman Critchley said: "I'm delighted we've been able to provide parking facilities at these two popular stations for the first time. For too long passengers have had to make do with what limited spaces they could find nearby.

"Now we can offer them a proper, safer option. I hope that these new facilities will encourage even more people to park up and travel by public transport."

Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council's executive member for environmental services, added: "Safe and secure parking has been in demand at these two stations for many years so I'm pleased that we are able to provide a free purpose-built facility at these two stations and hope that people will think about making at least part of their journey by public transport."

The new car parks are part of a £1.7 million project by the GMPTA, announced in 2006.

A car park at Blackrod railway station was opened in the summer of last year while cash has also been earmarked for Moses Gate station under the scheme.