A daily newspaper has launched a campaign urging transport bosses to reinstate axed peak-hour train services.

The Bolton News is demanding a dramatic improvement to the town’s railway services after revealing that fewer First Trans-Pennine Express trains are now running to and from Manchester and a busy morning commuter train has had its carriages reduced from six to just three.

Commuters have told the newspaper that there are problems with overcrowding on the trains and the Let’s Get Back On Track campaign has already being backed by the town’s leading political figures.

News reporter Liam Thorp has been interviewing train users at Bolton’s station and asking them to sign the newspaper’s petition which will be presented to transport bosses.

Reporter Liam Thorp outside Bolton's train station

The campaign can also be signed in the newspaper’s offices as well as around newsagents and shops in the town.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling told the paper: “It is important for a local newspaper to stand up for issues like this and I think this petition is a great idea.”

First Trans-Pennine Express told the Bolton News that the change came about as it looks to benefit from the newly electrified line by directing trains on the Manchester to Scotland line via Wigan instead of Bolton.

“To take advantage of the newly electrified railway, the majority of services operating between Manchester, Cumbria and Scotland will be re-routed and will cease to call at Bolton and Chorley,” said the company.

“That means if you do travel from Bolton or Chorley we advise you to check your train times before you set off.”

The petition can be signed by visiting the Bolton News website or forms can be picked up from The Bolton News office in the Wellsprings building next to the Town Hall.