DON'T sell it - open it!

That's the cry of train buffs after the historic railway station at Midge Hall, near Penwortham went up for sale.

Train spotters are calling for the station to be restored to its former glory - and become a centre of transport once more - in the hope of easing congestion in Preston.

The Ormskirk to Preston Travellers' Association (OPTA) claims if re-opened, it could be ideal for an extensive park-and-ride facility.

Chairman John Blinkhorn said: "The main reason it closed down was lack of use. There weren't many houses in Midge Hall then.

"This could open up a lot of opportunity. Most people have cars but the issue is getting them off the road and easing congestion."

Mr Blinkhorn has appealed to the county council, South Ribble council, Railtrack and North Western Trains to look at the benefits of buying and rebuilding the station.

He added that it would help OPTA's campaign to re-open Burscough Curves which could enable a service to run from Preston to Southport again. Nigel Barber from Railtrack confirmed they had received a letter from OPTA and said: "We are looking carefully at their suggestions and deciding which route to take in the future."

Surveyor Robert Ansell of estate agents Garside Waddingham said: "We've had offers but so far none have been accepted. These organisations would be as good a customer as any providing the price was right."

Midge Hall station closed down in 1961 but the track was used as a main line to Liverpool right into the '70s. Offers are being invited for the old building and goods yard which is going for a snip at £200,000.

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