TRANSPORT chiefs have voiced their concerns to the Government about the possible reduction of a train service which provides links from Bolton to Scotland, the Midlands and South-west England.

The Strategic Rail Authority announced that negotiations to continue to run the Cross Country franchise currently operated by Virgin Trains have been terminated because the service was not considered to represent good value for money.

Bosses with the Greater Manchester Transport Authority have complained to Department of Transport, SRA and Virgin Trains about the possible cut in service and pledged to fight the plans.

They believe that the interests of rail passengers have to be protected. Councillor Roger Jones, chairman of GMPTA, said: "We are very concerned at the possibility that some services in the Cross Country franchise could be curtailed or reduced."