Work has started to demolish a railway station in Shropshire and transform its ailing platforms under a £2.1 million scheme.

Cosford Railway Station closed last month so contractors could install glass waiting rooms, information screens for passengers and new staircases to access the platforms. But before the new station is put in place, builders have to demolish the current waiting rooms and platform stairs.

Patrick Elson is the Network Rail scheme’s project manager.

He said: “The work is challenging, however, the demolition and removal of the platform surfaces, supporting frames and the waiting shelters is meeting our expectations and we are on target to reopen the station in March 2012 as per the programme.”

The station is on the Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury line and is being completely rebuilt and will include removing the existing lighting and fences, demolishing the timber platforms and support structures and the access stairs leading to them.

Network Rail has said the old structures will be replaced with new platforms which will be laid on concrete cross beams and steel supports.

The platforms will have a non-slip surface and include tactile paving to denote the platform edge. New fencing will also be built.

Each platform will have a new steel and glass waiting shelter and lighting columns and new steel staircases giving access to the platforms.

The wooden station was built and opened to the public in 1937 to coincide with the opening of RAF Cosford and some of the materials are more than 100 years old.

Also backing the scheme is Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard who has been famed for calling the train service ‘the sardine express’.

Mr Pritchard welcomed the renovation work and said it was a clear sign Cosford has a secure future either with the RAF or the British Army.

London Midland has said it is providing a shuttle bus service between Cosford Railway Station and Albrighton Railway Station until the work finishes.