LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has presented a petition to Parliament, signed by 1,800 people, calling for a new railway station in Golborne.

The MP believes it is desperately needed and said locals were "crying out" for better public transport.

He has sent a copy of the petition to bosses at the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, who said they needed to be persuaded there was a demand before they would fund the project

Mr Burnham has also written to companies shortlisted by the Strategic Rail Authority to provide services for the new Northern Franchise, to tell them about the petition and public support for a service through Golborne to Warrington and Manchester.

Mr Burnham said: "I don't believe there can be an area of the North West as poorly served by rail as ours. People are crying out for better public transport, as shown by the strength of support for our petition.

"Getting a new rail station at Golborne is one of my top priorities. There is a station at Golborne, which was closed in the 1960s and the railway lines are still there, so it would not need a massive amount of investment to redevelop the site.

"In the last ten years, many commuters have moved into Lowton and Golborne area, yet they have no option but to jump into their cars every morning and join queues on the East Lancs' Road. A new station in Golborne would be a catalyst for its redevelopment."