RAIL chiefs have approved a move which could see houses go up on land earmarked for the long-awaited overspill car park at Lostock station. The BEN can reveal that land will be sold to the highest bidder at an auction at Manchester Airport in July. The news comes on the day that Railtrack announce a £245million programme over the next year to improve the North-west rail network, including vast sums to be spent in the Bolton area.

Lostock residents and commuters who use the station will be shocked to learn that the four acres will go under the hammer as a possible site for residential development.

They were promised improved facilities and an extended car park to reduce congestion around the popular commuter station, possibly by August.

Last summer Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, Railtrack and North Western Trains pledged to put their differences behind them and work together to improve facilities and parking at Lostock.

But British Rail, who own the land next to the existing small car park, say they cannot wait any longer for the authorities to come up with a firm offer.

A spokesman told the BEN they had not been contacted since last June.

He said: "We know there was a proposal by Railtrack to use the land as a car park extension but they have not come back to us with a firm request.

"We are obliged to make a commercial return on property declared surplus to rail needs at the time of privatisation and we have to make progress on our schedule of sales. If they want the land they can bid for it at the auction."

Only last June the GMPTE told MP Ruth Kelly that they intended to try and get MORE motorists on the trains and said they planned to extend the car park at Lostock station.

Mrs Kelly said she was surprised and disappointed to hear the news and added: "I will be contacting all the parties involved, reminding them of the promises made last year and urging them to resolve the problem as a matter of urgency.

"The rail companies should be looking at ways of encouraging people on to our trains instead of selling off any spare land for development."

GMPTE did not know about the land sale. A spokesman said they were awaiting the latest report on the best way to improve Lostock station which would be considered by members in April or June.

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