WORK on building Blackburn's new railway station will not begin until Februrary - a month later then Railtrack had originally planned.

The £5.8million project has been delayed because the process of putting the building work out to tender has taken longer than expected.

But rail bosses say the delay is not a major problem and a company is likely to be selected early in the new year to complete the transformation of the station.

Demolition of the old Victorian train shed was completed in the Autumn, leaving temporary structures at the station with a long disused plaform being brought into use. The new station will feature new canopied walkways and resting areas screened against the weather.

A large glass dome will be the prominent feature and the only part of the station to remain untouched throughout the work will be the booking office.

Platforms one, two and three will be upgraded while platform four, currently in use for the first time in many years, is likely to revert to being dormant. It will, however, be upgraded so that it can be used in emergencies.

Platform five will be landscaped with public art work included to give the Audley side of the station a more pleasant facade.

The old station had been described by councillors from both Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen as a barrier to rail travel for the people of East Lancashire.

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