Golborne Residents Anticipate Significant Gains from Proposed £32m Train Station

Inhabitants of a town that has been without a train station for over six decades have stated that a new one would “benefit immensely” their community. Proposals for the construction of a £32m train station in Golborne, Wigan, a location currently lacking direct bus, train, or tram connections to Manchester, have been presented to Wigan Council. Should these plans receive approval, construction is anticipated to commence in 2026, with the station projected to become operational in 2027. Adam Kinnaird, a lifelong resident of Golborne who has never witnessed the town’s original station, which ceased operations entirely in 1967, commented that it “would be really big for Golborne”. Mr. Kinnaird noted that the current travel time to Manchester by car during peak traffic can extend to 90 minutes. He further stated: “I’ve just started a new company and they’re building a lot of other places outside of there now. “For people working here who’ve got to catch the train, it would be a big help.”” Karim Saoudi, proprietor of a restaurant and bar situated in close proximity to the suggested station location, expressed that its re-establishment would be “great for the business”. He remarked: “People can come in for a coffee, wait here for the train.” Gary Brown, a resident of Golborne for three decades, voiced his hope for the reopening of the local market, which is also currently closed. He further commented: “I think bringing the train station back to here will bring more investment in.”I think the town could immensely benefit from this.”” Bruce Williamson, representing the campaign group Railfuture, stated that station re-openings “almost always exceed expectations” regarding passenger numbers. He suggested that Golborne might have been selected for the new station over the larger, neighboring town of Leigh because it was “already on the railway,” whereas Leigh’s former railway line had been transformed into a busway. Mr. Williamson remarked: “If you’ve already got a running railway to put a railway station on, it is a lot cheaper than building a whole new railway.” He added that railway infrastructure “really pays off” in the long term by providing economic advantages to local regions. He further commented: “The problem with busways… is they are nowhere near as good as trains or trams at attracting passengers,” and concluded: “The solution for Leigh is to [also] get its railway link back.””