PLANS to double the number of trains between Bolton and Blackburn could be back on track.

The £8 million proposals have been revived after neighbouring authorities signed an agreement with the Government which makes the plan a priority.

But Bolton passengers would benefit — and it could also add weight to a campaign to reopen Turton and Edgworth station, as reported in The Bolton News last week.

Civic leaders from Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and Ribble Valley yesterday signed an “historic” agreement which will see them become a single group for the purposes of bidding for funding.

They have been promised extra cash by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, in return for forming the new group, called Pennine Lancashire.

And they have earmarked the investment on the Clitheroe to Manchester line — which calls at Bromley Cross, Hall i'th' Wood and Bolton — as a top priority.

There is currently an hourly rail service on the line, with extra half-hourly trains during peak times.

But because of the poor infrastructure more trains cannot be added.

However, any investment would mean more trains could be run on the line.

Peter Moores, chairman of the Ribble Valley Rail pressure group, said that the news should be welcomed by Bolton rail users.

He added: “This cannot happen quick enough. We have been asking for these improvements to be made for years and now finally there could be some good news for rail users in Bolton and other towns along the line.

“Without doubling the line and improving the signalling, the re-opening of Turton and Edgworth station is pie in the sky. This is a significant move.”

Network Rail had previously dismissed the plans but council chiefs in East Lancashire believe the improvements could be made a condition of future government funding for the rail owners.

Salford MP Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, welcomed the deal and said that local councils were in the best position to improve conditions for their residents.

And the Conservative leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Colin Rigby, who yesterday signed the deal with Mr Brown, said: “We recognise that no one council can succeed by itself so by pledging a solid commitment to improve the transport infrastructure, skills base, employment opportunities and housing for citizens across Pennine Lancashire we can ensure that everyone benefits.”