RAIL bosses have revealed that the booking office at Blackburn railway station may be moved to platform level as part of the current £5.5million regeneration project.

Discussions are taking place between the landlord of the station, Railtrack, and train operator First North Western about the possible move.

It was revealed in the spring that First North Western were considering withdrawing platform staff on the station, prompting safety fears from passengers, especially women who use the station at night.

But it has now been revealed that a possible compromise may be to shift the booking office from its present base at the front of the station up to platform level.

First North Western spokesman Mark Wilcox said: "We are in negotiations with Railtrack about this. In the meantime there will be no change to our staffing levels in the near future and this will be only be reviewed once the new station is built."

Mr Wilcox added that security cameras are likely to be installed as part of the new station.

Meanwhile Railtrack bosses say the demolition of the old station is on schedule and running to plan. About a third of the roof has now disappeared as have some Victorian platform walls and buildings.

Railtrack have refurbished one of the disused platforms at the station ready for when the work is at its height and platforms currently used by passengers will be become unusable.

When the work is finished the current train shed roof will be replaced by a glass dome and modern waiting rooms.

The two ornate clocks which currently adorn platforms one and two will be taken away and stored before being re-incorporated into the new station once work has finished.

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