Plans on track for new train station in Burnley - PHOTOS

The Express can reveal Burnley Council is in the final stages of acquiring the former dairy building near the station to prepare the site for expansion. The new facility will feature a substantial station building, waiting shelters and more than 70 car parking spaces.

There has been support for the proposals from the Community Rail Partnership.

And Lancashire County Council and Burnley Council are hopeful a bid for European funds will come through, providing the funds needed to acquire final pieces of land and to redevelop the station itself.

Leader of Burnley Council Coun. Charlie Briggs said: “This is just one of a number of really important projects the council has been working hard on, often behind the scenes. The aim of all this is to bring investment into Burnley and improve our links and connections to other economic centres. It is all about skills and opportunities for young people and building a future.

“With our partners, we’ve been working very hard on the bid for Regional Growth Fund to bring about the Todmorden Curve rail link and get linked funds into the Weavers’ Triangle. We are increasingly optimistic we will hear good news on this bid.

“Together with the recent announcements on economic development at Burnley Bridge and the news we have a new technical college coming to the area, our steps forward today on the Manchester Road station plan show our commitment to a positive future for the borough is paying off.”