TRANSPORT bosses at Blackburn town hall are vowing to get tough on rail companies in a bid to improve services between the town and Bolton and Manchester.

Services to and from Blackburn through Darwen, Entwistle and Bromley Cross have come in for major criticism from passengers.

During the autumn, trains on the Manchester to Clitheroe service, which runs on the line, were either late or cancelled on numerous occasions.

And the problems prompted passengers to try and set up their own rail users group to put complaints to the rail authorities.

Now, as part of its emerging transport strategy, Blackburn with Darwen Council plans to campaign for improved services on the line - especially on Sundays during the winter when there is currently no service at all. As part of franchise arrangements for services in the North West a number of studies were undertaken into new services in the area.

One study showed there was the potential for extending the Blackburn and Bolton to Manchester service to a half hourly service, as well as introducing a direct service to Manchester Airport. And Railtrack's 1998 Network Management statement has identified the line between Blackburn and Bolton as a top priority for investment in the North West.

Work is taking place on track maintenance problems, removing speed restrictions and reduce journey times. The statement also raises the possibility of re-introducing double track to more of the route.

Blackburn with Darwen Council transport chiefs say they will press to see the recommendations implemented.

The council is set to adopt many of Lancashire County Council's long term policies for the Blackburn and Darwen area, including earmarking land for a potential new railway station in the Spring Vale area of Darwen.

A report to the council's highways and transport committee on Thursday also criticises other rail services which run through Blackburn.

The standard of trains which run between Blackpool and Colne are described "woefully inadequate" for the distances they travel, while the lack of a depot for train crews is also identified as a block on improving services in the area.

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