The lift to two platforms at Bolton Station is out of action until the summer with work to replace it getting underway according to Network Rail.

The town centre train station is the target of more than half a million pounds in investment with the aim of making it more accessible to passengers.

On Monday, Network Rail said the lift to platforms four and five is out of action until the summer, after which the the lift to platforms one, two and three will be out of action until the winter. 

In the meantime it means passengers travelling from Bolton in the direction of Preston are advised to travel to Salford Crescent before changing to another train while passengers travelling to Bolton from the direction of Manchester are advised to travel only on services arriving at platforms one, two and three if in need of step-free access.

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Kara Wood, from Network Rail, said: "We are replacing the lifts at Bolton Station to make the step-free access more reliable for passengers.

"If you need step-free access during the work I advise you to check before you travel and to allow extra time for your journey. I am sorry for the inconvenience while this upgrade is carried out."

The Bolton News: Bolton Station

Craig Harrop, from operator Northern, said: "We welcome this investment by Network Rail and the benefits replacing the lifts at Bolton Station will bring for our passengers. 

"Whilst the disruption will be mitigated, customers requiring the use of the lifts at Bolton Station should allow extra time to get around the station before and after their journeys."

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Network Rail said it consulted with "accessibility advocates" over the work.

Stephen Brookes, of Disability Rights UK, said: "We continue to build on our cooperative relationship with Network Rail over the imminent replacement of Bolton Station lifts. 

"The inclusion of disabled people to give advice on all aspects of access to the station during the disruption is we can test the alternatives and help to get it right from the start, so we are pleased to welcome such opportunities."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.