Five railway stations in the Chorley area of Lancashire are being considered for improvements to boost sustainable travel and improve their train connections to Manchester, Preston, and elsewhere in the region.

Lancashire County Council is considering the possibility of making improvements to the railway stations at Adlington, Buckshaw Parkway, Chorley, Croston, and Euxton Balshaw Lane.

During the next three months, the council will analyse people’s travel patterns, assess current and future levels of demand for travel by train, and investigate how connectivity can be improved to meet the needs of the local economy in a sustainable way.

Among the improvements under consideration are to extend station car parks, increase park and bike facilities, and build more cycle pathways.

If funding becomes available, passengers could see larger station car parks, more bicycle hubs, and secure parking for bicycles.

Lancashire County Council, Chorley Council, and a range of stakeholders from across the railway industry will consider the potential improvements as part of a study they have commissioned.

Lancashire County Council also expects this study to provide input to this summer’s wider consultation on its Local Transport Plan.

Chorley Council has expressed its delight that the studies to be carried out could help future plans leading to improvements in connectivity and sustainability and the facilities at some railway stations in the borough.

It emphasises that any future changes should benefit Chorley’s residents and visitors so that rail becomes a convenient way to travel.

In 2023, Chorley won a Royal Horticulture Society Gold award in the Best Small City category of the Britain in Bloom awards for the display outside its railway station. It is also one of Northern’s stations that has the benefit of eco-friendly, cash-free vending machines and an InPost automated parcel locker.

“Having a transport network which is easy to access and ensures people can get to where they want to go is very important to us as a council. We also want to make sure these routes are sustainable for our future. As one of Lancashire’s newest and busiest rail stations, Buckshaw Parkway is a great example of how modern and well-planned infrastructure allows more people to access the network and support sustainable development. We want to support all modes of travel and encourage those who can leave their car at home and use public transport, walk or cycle, to do so, however for those who opt to drive and park, we want to enable that in a safe and sustainable manner. We are looking at similar opportunities across the whole network as we know it is a keyway to unlock growth and improve accessibility for people in Lancashire.

Aidy Riggott, Lancashire County Councillor, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, the County Council lead for the Local Transport Plan