A NEW cycle hub with space for 200 bikes is to be created at Bolton train station at a cost of £350,000.

Cyclists will be able to lock up their own bikes at the hub, as well as hire or buy a bike.

A new repair team will also be based at the hub where people can get their cycles fixed.

Announcing 34 schemes across the North West, costing £4.7 million, transport minister Norman Baker said 1,000 new bike spaces in total would be created.

Mr Baker said: “I know these plans will be hugely beneficial to communities and cyclists.

“They will also help to create jobs and reduce our carbon footprints while making cycling safer and more convenient.”

The Department for Transport has worked with train operators, transport charity Sustrans, the Cycle Rail Working Group and local councils to design and approve the projects across England.

Hundreds of miles of new cycle tracks will also be created as part of a wider £30 million investment.

There are currently cycle racks for a small number of bikes at Bolton station.

Northern Rail, which runs Bolton train station and bid for the money, said the funding award was “great news” for the town.

The money was part of a £700,000 bid, which will see a similar scheme installed at Manchester Victoria train station. Cllr David Chadwick, who represents Bolton on the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “It is excellent for Bolton. Anything which encourages the use of environmentally friendly transport is good and it is indicative that Bolton is at the forefront of this sort of thing. Together with the planned interchange, this will play its part in an integrated transport system for Bolton, which can only be a good thing for passengers.”

Managing director of Northern Rail, Ian Bevan, added: “The announcement is fantastic news for Northern and our Bolton passengers and the result of successfully working in partnership with the Department for Transport.”