A new railway station for Buckshaw Village is a step closer after it was announced a further £3.3m has been awarded to the project.

The station is set to get the go-ahead after being awarded the money under the Community Investment Fund, (CIF).

Following a funding shortfall an application was made under the CIF programme.

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle has been lobbying government ministers to look favourably at the application.

He is now looking for work to begin on the station as soon as possible.

He said: “The railway station will be a vital lifeline for residents and businesses on Buckshaw Village.

“When news broke of the funding shortfall I arranged a meeting between the Secretary of State for Transport and Chorley Council and maintained the pressure on ministers.

“Most recently I spoke to John Healey, minister responsible for the CIF programme, to press the case for Buckshaw.

“I am delighted that the money has now been made available so that the railway station can be built and we can have direct rail links to Preston, Bolton and Manchester.”

A railway station for the village has been mooted for several years and is seen by developers as necessary to support the future expansion of Buckshaw.

The proposed station also includes a park and ride facility for commuters.

Mr Hoyle added: “Now we have the money available I want to see work begin on the station as a matter of urgency.”