RAIL bosses have been urged to resolve the 'shambles' at Blackburn Station which has left passengers standing in the rain.

Planning and regeneration staff at Blackburn with Darwen Council want to know why platform four of the station is still being used by train operators, despite the fact it is the only main platform not to offer shelter from the rain.

The situation has continued, even though it is more than 18 months since a £6million redvelopment of the station was completed.

Platform four was only brought back into use when the start of work in 2001 put the other platforms -- all of which are now covered -- out of action.

Train operator First North Western said using Platform Four provided an easier route through the station and prevented delays.

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Coun Andy Kay has already described the situation as unsatisfactory, with rail watchdogs saying it is 'shambolic.'

He is now calling for talks with station owners Network Rail to see if it can resolve the problem.

Director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods Adam Scott said: "The planning permission for redevelopment of the railway station is being re-examined to check whether all the planning conditions in connection with the provision of the new facilities have been complied with.

"In addition, the matter will be taken up with Network Rail, the owners of the track and the station buildings, to see whether they as landlords have any proposals to address the issues that are of concern to users of the station."

Passenger groups have complained about the use of the platform - pointing out that at least it was covered in the old railway station, parts of which were demolished to make way for the new dome, which covers platforms one and two.

They also argue it is ridiculous to make passengers walk up to platform one to buy a ticket, then walk through the underpass - where tiles are already falling off because of damp - to get to platform four.

Both FNW and Network Rail say they are acting on the underpass but have no plans to change arrangements at platform four.