LIMITED train services will be operating between East Lancashire and Greater Manchester over the festive period.

Rail bosses have decided to carry out engineering work at Salford Crescent station on December 27 and 28.

And this will affect train services from Clitheroe, Blackburn, and Darwen, to Bolton and Manchester city centre during the sales.

Supporters of the work say that, in the medium term, it will improve the service between East Lancashire and the city.

Revisions are being made to timetables so that certain services will be able to bypass Salford Crescent, en-route to Manchester Victoria station.

Changes to other trains will see a shuttle service operating between Bolton and Manchester Victoria.

Replacement bus services will also operate on certain routes for passengers wishing to call at Salford Crescent, and Salford Central, stations.

A Northern Rail spokes-man said: “Network Rail has already started work on the rebuilding of Sal-ford Crescent station, which has seen a significant growth in passengers in recent years, and work to redevelop the station will continue through-out 2013.

“This will include a new ticket office and improved facilities for customers.

“To enable work to progress, it is essential that parts of the station are closed to trains so Network Rail can carry out key operations.”

Passengers wanting to find out about the yuletide alterations to specific services are advised to go online to www.northern rail.org

Further work is also scheduled for Easter and late summer.

People travelling further afield are also advised to check departures as strike action over Boxing Day, and beyond, will affect cross-country and Scot Rail services.

The last trains on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve will be significantly earlier than the normal timetables, and there will be no Christmas Day service.