Bracknell

Better accessibility is among a series of improvements planned for Bracknell railway station, after a successful funding bid by Bracknell Forest Borough Council and South West Trains.

The bid to the Department of Transport was the result of ongoing work between Bracknell Forest Borough Council, South West Trains and Network Rail to radically improve facilities, access and transport interchange at the station.

The £103,000 award for Bracknell railway station was among a number of grants to be awarded across Britain. The amount awarded to Bracknell was well above the average award of £24,000.

Work has already started on the first improvement – a new passenger footbridge with lifts to improve accessibility to the Reading-bound platform. The new funding announced this week is part of a national scheme to increase accessibility of the UK’s railways. The funds will be added to the general scheme of substantial improvements and enable more disabled people to access the rail network

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, the Council’s Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "Securing this funding is another significant step on the way to completing the transformation of the station into the quality gateway that Bracknell deserves.

"I am grateful for continuing joint working of South West Trains and Network Rail with the Council on the delivery of these important improvements”.

Malcolm Page, South West Trains’ Stations Development Manager, said: "Railway stations are often the gateway to a town, and the funding will make a big difference to Bracknell station.

"We are looking forward to working with Bracknell Forest Borough Council to make improvements that will benefit all who use the station”.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council