£6.75m upgrade of railway station completed

A £6.75m project to improve accessibility for passengers at a Derbyshire railway station has been completed.

Two lifts were added at each side of the track as part of the work at Alfreton station, while the ageing footpath was upgraded

The changes are aimed at making it easier for passengers who have limited mobility, use wheelchairs or have heavy luggage, bikes or pushchairs with them.

East Midlands Railway said the lifts will be in use at certain times of the day throughout June as part of a trial period and they will not be working on Sundays.

A new ramp and steps connecting the car park with the station entrance have also been provided as part of the project.

The platforms were fully resurfaced as part of the work, with tactile paving. New CCTV and new lights have also been installed.

The project was delivered as part of the Department for Transport's Access for All scheme to deliver accessibility improvements at railway stations, with a portion of funding also coming from Network Rail.

Dan Matthews, Network Rail head of operations delivery, said: "We are delighted to bring the new lifts at Alfreton into use, complementing the upgraded footbridge and bringing step-free access to the station for the first time.

"We hope the improvements will encourage more people to travel by train."

Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth added: "This significant investment will make a real difference for local residents and visitors, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility, can travel with greater comfort and independence."

She also thanked Alfreton Town Council which has "campaigned tirelessly" for improved access at the station for decades.

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