RAILTRACK has announced the £5 millon renovation of Blackburn Station is expected to be completed by the end of August.

Workmen are adding the finishing touches at the moment ready for the opening.

The train operator has also revealed a long term plan to attract businesses into the foyer area on the station's front to further regenerate the building.

Work to transform the dilapidated Victorian station began in the summer of 1999, and has involved an extensive overhaul and modernisation.

The shed roof was demolished in October 1999 and was replaced by Blackburn own's dome in the form of a curved glass cover.

The subway connecting the front of the station to the platforms has been tiled, giving it a bright look compared to the former dull brick.

A sheltered waiting area and a lift have also been installed -- features lacking previously. Each of the platforms have been upgraded to give a better appearance. Platform number four will have artwork depicting famous people from Blackburn's history.

The ticket office has yet to be removed from the foyer area and placed on the platforms. This is expected to take place over the next six weeks. This will give the extra space to make room for planned businesses for that area.

A spokesperson for Railtrack said: "The majority of work on the station is now complete. It should be all finished by the end of August. We are just finishing up at the moment.

"It looks a lot better than it did before. They are doing short term repairs to the Foyer area at the moment.

"In the long term we are looking for different businesses round the foyer area. We are trying to regenerate that area and encourage businesses to take that up."