Media centre

Tuesday 21 Sep 2004

ALNMOUTH STATION - £ 1 MILLION IMPROVEMENT FOR PASSENGERS

Region & Route:

Date:                                      Tuesday 28 September Time and Venue:                 11.50am at Alnmouth Station Contact:                                Carolyn Watson, Network Rail, 01904 522825 You are invited to join Network Rail, rail industry partners, Northumberland County Council and Alnwick District Council to mark the completion of a £1 million improvement programme at Alnmouth Station. Improvements, funded by Network Rail and Northumberland County Council, include: 24 additional car parking spaces; rebuilt and resurfaced platforms; better lighting, drainage, bus and cycle facilities. The upgrading of station facilities will address the year on year increase in passenger numbers of between 10 and 15 per cent, which has resulted from more trains stopping at the station, a growth in housing developments close by and the “Bus Meets Train” Alnwick Rail Connection bus service linking the station with Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden.  Graham Botham, Route Director, Network Rail, said: “This £1 million project will help improve the journeys of the ever-growing number of passengers using Alnmouth Station.  The additional car parking, which significantly increases the overall parking capacity, and better platforms highlight Network Rail’s commitment to renewing and improving facilities for rail passengers.” - more - Alnmouth - 2 Peter Myers, Arriva Trains Northern’s head of stations, said:  “The local economy has received a boost with new housing, key investments and important tourist attractions.  These investments in the station are excellent news. They will ensure that its profile on the railway map is increased and that it is better placed to respond to the growing needs of customers.” Northumberland County Councillor Mick Scullion, Executive Member for Highways and Operations, said: “Northumberland County Council is pleased to have supported this first phase of improvements for passengers and we will further improve facilities at Alnmouth for Alnwick station for Northumberland visitors and residents travelling by bus, bike and car.” The improvement programme was carried out by Network Rail and contractor C Spencer Ltd, and was completed on time and within budget.