PLANS to create state-of-the-art transport facilities in Nelson have taken a major step forward after a planning application was submitted to build a £5million bus and rail station.

Lancashire County Council has submitted plans for the flagship interchange, which would transform the town's transport facilities - seen as a key aspect in the regeneration of Nelson.

If approved, the town's run-down transport facilities would be transformed, over two years, into a modern one-site centre on land bounded by Broadway, Hibson Road, Railway Street, the railway line, and land adjoining Railway Street to the south of the railway line.

The development was included in planning specialists Regenris BDP's masterplan on how to shape the town over the next 15 years, due to be launched at the end of the month. Pendle Council leader Alan Davies said the new interchange would complement plans to open up the Manchester Road/Leeds Road corridor to traffic once again.

He said: "The existing bus station is in dire need of replacing and we are in full support of the bid to replace it."

The plans drawn up by county council officers, in conjunction with Pendle Council, will be go before county councillors later this year. If approved, some buildings would have to be demolished. The new station would include a covered concourse leading to nine bus bays, a direct link to the rail station with a new lift and staircase, a rail station revamp, electronic passenger information, new retail facilities, and new CCTV.