A SCHEME to dramatically revamp Newton train station is being considered by rail chiefs.

The potential development could see the creation of a 250-space park and ride facility and a bus and rail interchange.

The plans are part of blueprints for a 226-hectare employment park at the Omega site in Burtonwood.

A planning application for the business park, which could create more than 7,000 jobs, was originally submitted in 2003.

It was put on hold while the impact on nearby traffic was considered by the Highways Agency.

Planners identified Newton station as key to reducing any road traffic impacts and the station's owners Merseytravel are now considering options for improvement.

Clr Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel, said: "We have real aspirations to improve Newton station so that we can make it easier for people to use and provide better facilities, including a bus interchange.

"These proposals will be in the next Local Transport Plan (LTP), however, a lot of work still needs to be done and we are currently in negotiations about land ownership issues, which are very important if these aspirations can become a reality."

A feasibility study into the improvements was carried out in April 2003.

A number of opportunities were identified to improve the station including expanding the car park, developing a new bus interchange and building a subway to both platforms and two lifts, one on each side of the station.

Merseytravel and the five local authorities prepared a provisional Merseyside LTP covering the period 2006 to 2011, which was submitted to the Department for Transport in July 2005.

The full LTP and Access Plan will be submitted in March 2006.