Rail stations to be given revamp

Chirk and Machynlleth have been announced as two of five stations across Wales which will share £12m to improve access.

The £2m improvements at Chirk are scheduled to begin in May and will see the station brought up to modern standards with a new steel footbridge and ramp, accessible drop-off point, disabled car park spaces and improved station signage.

Campaigners have been battling for years for access improvements at Chirk Railway Station as only one side of the track is currently accessible to wheelchair users.

Assembly Member Ken Skates said: "This is fantastic news for Chirk and will make a real difference to the lives of the many passengers who use this award-winning station."

Mr Skates said he hoped the improvements at the railway station could also have a positive effect on tourism in the area, with more people able to use public transport to visit the town and local attractions which include Chirk Castle and the Llangollen Canal.

Machynlleth Train Station will have a new stepped-footbridge and two lifts built under the scheme, along with new signage and better access for people with disabilities.

Work on the scheme is expected to start in June and will be completed by the end of the year, Edwina Hart, Welsh Assembly transport minister said.

The minister said that the funding has come from a £12 million cash pot which has been put aside for improvements to Welsh train stations.

Mrs Hart said the improvements should boost the number of people using trains at bothy stations.

She said: "This scheme will greatly improve access to a number of stations and ensure more people can use the train.

"This is another significant investment by the Welsh Government to meet our objectives of delivering a modern, accessible and affordable rail system for Wales.

"Public transport is a vital way for many people, including some of the most vulnerable in our society, to access jobs and services. I want to make sure our rail stations are accessible to all and offer a comfortable experience for passengers."

The £12 million programme is funded by £7 million from the Welsh Government and £5m from the Department for Transport. Network Rail will be carrying out the work.

Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail Wales, said: "The enhancements will help passengers cross more easily between platforms through the installation of new footbridges with ramps or lifts."

"Step-free access not only benefits disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, but also people with children, heavy luggage or shopping.

"In most cases, the improvements will open up the stations to users who may not have been able to access them previously."