TRAIN operators have acted to protect the safety of passengers at Blackburn railway station after complaints from councillors and rail users.

First North Western came under severe criticism after it announced plans to axe four platform staff from the station, which is about to undergo a £5.5 million refurbishment.

Councillors and other groups claimed the station would become unsafe if it was unmanned and people would stop using it.

But the platform staff will now be retained until the refurbishment is complete in 18 months time when the station booking office, currently situated at the front of the station, is moved to platform level.

First North Western Trains hopes moving the booking office will reassure passengers and improve security.

The company had been planning to axe the jobs as part of cost cutting measures across the North West.

But Blackburn with Darwen councillors said they were disgusted with the decision and made it clear to First North Western that they were unhappy.

Passengers signed a petition organised by the Bolton to Blackburn Line Rail User group which was sent off to rail chiefs protesting about the plans.

Ian McHugh who organised the petition on behalf of the Bolton to Blackburn line group added: "This was a proposal which shocked passengers and we had no trouble at all in getting them to sign a petition."

Blackburn is the only station in the North West which has spared staff from the axe.

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