RAIL bosses today announced plans to invest millions of pounds improving tracks around Bolton and creating a new station near the Reebok Stadium.

As part of a £17 billion nationwide programme during the next 10 years two key plans have been earmarked for the Bolton area by Railtrack.

Railtrack says it is committed to developing a new station at Horwich Parkway to serve the Wanderers' stadium and Middlebrook retail park. Plans are being worked on in partnership with North Western Trains, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, Bolton Council and site developers.

And Railtrack is also starting a £3.6 million track renewal scheme to overhaul the route between Bolton and Blackburn.

The new investment comes on top of an on-going station refurbishment programme which has included improvement work at Bolton. Railtrack is also carrying out feasibility studies to see if experts can increase the speed trains can travel on various routes in the region.

The North-west rail network is set for a £245 million boost during the next 12 months.

Railtrack officials said they were now tackling "years of under investment".

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