RAIL bosses are planning to carry on with improvements to Blackburn's problem station - if they can find the money.

After officially unveiling the first stage refurbishment of the station, both Railtrack and North West Regional Railways revealed their intentions to carry on and renovate the rest of the listed building.

The condition of the station has been criticised by passengers because of the poor state of many of the buildings and the condition of former platforms, which now have waist-high weeds growing from them.

Leader of Blackburn Council Malcolm Doherty said:" I was disappointed when I visited the station recently.

"For many people, it is likely to be the first impression of Blackburn and it is hardly likely to be a good one. "Unfortunately first impressions can be the ones that stick in people's minds and the view from the station certainly isn't one we want people to associate with Blackburn."

But Robert Goundry, managing director of North West Regional Railways, said the recent renovations were only the first phase of a scheme to improve the whole station.

He said: "The rail industry is determined to move on to the second step and improve the rest of this neglected station.

"I am confident that the rail industry will be able to announce further plans to make the rest of Blackburn Station presentable as well."

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