ECO-friendly railway stations in East Lancashire will be using natural resources to keep rail passengers safe in future.

Solar and wind-powered lighting schemes are being drawn up for Rishton and Brierfield stations as part of a ground-breaking environmental scheme, on behalf of the East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership.

County council transport chiefs are set to donate almost £22,500 towards the initiative, from this year’s capital programme.

At Rishton, the new lighting is being incorporated in an overhaul of the site, marshalled by the Groundwork Trust, which will see a new car park created for 10 cars, two motorcycles, and bicycles.

Back in 2006, the station saw major improvements, such as waiting shelters, planters, signage and information panels. The car park scheme, costing £56,000, has been in the pipeline since then.

Regeneration agency Remade is handing over £20,000, and the Lancashire Environmental Fund is contributing £18,330.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: “Following the refurbishment of the stations in 2006, there was a substantial increase in usage, with increases of 20per cent at Rishton, and 18per cent at Brierfield, recorded up to 2007-08.

It is forecast that these projects will continue that positive trend.”

Minor upgrades were carried out at Brierfield station, also in 2006, with similar improvements to waiting facilities.

But, because of problems with the power supply three years ago, it was not possible to provide any car park lighting.

However, further investigations have discovered that two lighting columns, driven by solar panels and wind energy, costing £6,000, would provide a solution.

Support totalling £1,250 has also been secured from the community rail development partnership’s own funds, with the county council bridging the gap.