COMMUTERS at a busy railway station have two reasons to celebrate this week.

An improved half-hourly train service between Blackburn and Manchester has now started, bringing some much-needed relief for passengers who have long complained of delays and overcrowding at Bromley Cross and other stops on the important line.

It has also been announced that the Bolton Rail Users Group has adopted the Bromley Cross station to improve its appearance.

Jeff Davies, chairman of Rail Users Group, said: “We congratulate and thank Northern, Blackburn with Darwen Council and their partners for this welcome and much appreciated service enhancement.

“We also thank Northern for appointing our group as adopters of Bromley Cross, an important commuter station on the line.

“With assistance from Northern’s community fund we have been able to make a good start on improving the amenity there, which should make a real difference when the plants come into bloom in the Spring.

“Our aim is to emulate the fine work done at other stations, such as Hindley on the Bolton to Wigan line.”

Many different projects have already taken place at the station thanks to the group, such as overgrown vegetation being cleared from platforms and the installation of two stylish planters.

The new timetable, which began on Sunday, means there are two fast services every hour between Manchester and Blackburn, operating Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm, plus an additional third slower train.

Matthew Worman, regional stakeholder manager for Northern, said: “This timetable enhancement is a key part of our modernisation programme and it marks an important step forward for our customers.

“Increasing the frequency of services that stop at Bromley Cross will offer new commuting possibilities, and will also boost travel options for leisure travellers. In the coming months and years our customers will see further improvements as we continue work to modernise our stations and facilities.”