WORK is set to begin on Monday on a state-of -the-art bus and rail Interchange in Nelson.

The £4.5 million state-of-the-art interchange which will replace Nelson's bus and railway stations is part of the regeneration of the town centre.

The interchange will be built on land bounded by Broadway, Hibson Road, Railway Street, the railway line and land adjoining Railway Street to the south of the railway line.

Work will include building a passenger concourse leading onto 10 bus stands, electronic information displays and new platform waiting facilities, a direct link to the rail station with new lift and staircase, retail facilities and new CCTV.

Plans for the new station, which is due to open in October 2008, have been in the pipeline for two years.

Investment for the project has come from Lancashire County Council and Pendle Partnership while Pendle Council has donated the land.

Coun Alan Davies, Leader of Pendle Council, said: "This is fantastic news for Nelson and is another step on the road to improving regeneration in the town centre.

"I am absolutely delighted that we will soon be able to provide improved public transport facilities.

"The current bus and railway stations are looking very shabby and are crying out for redevelopment. It will encourage greater use of public transport with access to buses and trains offered under one roof."

County Councillor Tony Martin, Lancashire County Council's Cabinet member for sustainable development, said: "This is great news for Nelson and a great example of the county council putting its money where its mouth is.

"I am delighted that we have been able to invest several million pounds in Nelson as the town, and district of Pendle, will benefit greatly."

Work on the development will see parts of Broad Street; Hibson Road and Stanworth Road closed to traffic.

Footway access will be maintained on closed off sections.

The Railway Station Car Park will be closed from November 18 to enable the contractor to set up in advance of works commencing on site.

Alternative parking for rail users will be made available on Broadway car park.

Coun Davies added: "Although the Railway Station Car Park will be closed, work on the state-of-the-art bus and rail interchange should not inconvenience rail users."