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Thursday 29 Nov 2012

Drop-in session to find out more about £9m investment at Putney station

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Putney station is to be transformed thanks to a £9m improvement programme due to start in January 2013.

Three new lifts will be installed to make the station fully accessible as well as an expanded concourse area, new ticket gates, toilets and extended canopies along the newly-lengthened platforms.

The £9m redevelopment will be paid for by the Department for Transport’s Access for All initiative.

Ahead of the work starting in January, a drop-in session will be held for local residents, businesses and passengers to find out more about the work.

The drop-in session will take place at Putney library on Disraeli Road from 1pm until 6pm on the 6 December 2012. In addition to the drop-in sessions, leaflets and posters will be available as the project develops to provide updates on the work.

Transport minister Norman Baker said: “We have seen an unprecedented growth in passenger numbers in recent years. That is why we are committed to the biggest rail investment plan since the 19th Century, which includes investing in station improvements. The work at Putney will make it easier for disabled and elderly people and mums with prams, or even people with heavy cases, to better access the rail network.”

Tim Shoveller, managing director of the Network Rail and South West Trains Alliance, said: “Millions of pounds are being invested in the railway across the south and south west of England as more passengers use the railway. Working with the government, we are committed to ensuring that standards improve to provide people with the facilities they expect. The drop-in sessions are an opportunity to find out more about our plans and discover how they will benefit passengers in the future.”

The Network Rail and South West Trains Alliance is also working with Wandsworth council which is exploring proposals to improve the area and the pavement immediately outside the station.

The contractor, C Spencer, will be on site in December 2012 and the station redevelopment is due to be completed by spring 2014.

Train services will be unaffected by the work but a temporary bridge will be built to provide access to platforms. At certain times the main station building will be closed but alternative provision will be made to buy tickets.