ALMOST three decades of "consistent under-investment" has led to the problems in Britain's rail system. That is the honest view of the man who is in charge of putting the beleaguered operation back on track, head of the government's Strategic Rail Authority, Blackburn-born Richard Bowker.

And the former Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School pupil said the announcement of a £33.5billion public sector investment will be the shot-in-the-arm it desperately needs.

"Customer satisfaction is at an all-time low," said Mr Bowker. "Something has to be done ."

Mr Bowker's said his plan "was deliverable and practical" and would "provide stability and clarity." The £33.5billion is £4.4billion more than first announced in summer 2000 in the government's 10-year plan and includes the £1.5billion given to Railtrack by the SRA last year.

Plans include enhancing the Blackburn to Manchester service by increasing capacity on Sundays and cutting the journey time. And the West Coast Main Line, linking Preston to London, will take delivery of a fleet of 140mph tilting Pendolino trains by May 2003.

Added to these improvements, trains and track will be upgraded, and stations will be made easier for disabled people to use and there are plans for a National Rail Academy to train staff.

Greg Challis, deputy secretary of the Rail Passengers' Committee North West (RPCNW) welcomed the plans adding that passengers would benefit from the proposals.

And Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson said: "This is brilliant.

"It's very welcome but long overdue. The Manchester to Blackburn route is very important in my constituency, going through Darwen and Entwistle."

Bob Davies is chief executive of ARRIVA, which operates trains in East Lancashire.

He said: "The plan will bring about significant improvements to provide stability and the climate in which the industry can work to deliver the levels of service that customers expect and deserve."

John Armitt, Railtrack chief executive, added: "Railtrack will play its part and we look forward to working in partnership with the SRA, the train operators, maintenance contractors and other key stakeholders in helping to make the plan a reality."

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