BOLTON transport chiefs have launched an ambitious funding bid to re-open train lines to Bury and Radcliffe.

The proposal is being led by Bolton North East MP Mark Logan alongside Cllr Stuart Haslam.

Mr Logan has submitted proposals as part of the Department for Transport’s £500 million Restoring Your Railway Ideas Fund.

The initiative invited MPs, local councils and community groups across England and Wales to propose how they could use funding to reinstate axed local services and restore stations.

Working closely with Cllr Haslam, the submission includes the reinstatement of the Bolton-Radcliffe and Bolton to Bury lines.

Mr Logan said: “I’m really pleased we’re in the running for this investment project, investing in transport links is key to levelling up opportunities, bringing our communities closer together, and allowing Bolton’s local economy to flourish.”

The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps visited Bolton during Mr Logan’s election campaign.

Further to the funding packages already in place for the North, the Transport Secretary has this week announced a further £2bn package to increase cycling and walking capacity across the UK as the country prepares to go back to work.

Applications for the Restoring your Railway Ideas Fund have now been evaluated and Mark Logan MP will be collaborating with The Department for Transport in the coming weeks to develop his proposal for Bolton.

Mr Logan used his first opportunity in Parliament to ask the Prime Minister about the possibility of a Metrolink extension.

He said: “Does the Prime Minister agree that now is the time for us to be the track for a Metrolink between Manchester and Bolton?”

The Prime Minister said Government had given the Greater Manchester Combined Authority £300 million under the transforming cities deal, plus a share of the £4.2 billion local transport fund.