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Friday 23 Apr 2004

HOPE STATION APPROACH RESURFACED

Region & Route:

Hope (Derbys) station underwent a mini-makeover to improve passenger amenities and facilities last month as part of Network Rail’s ‘Station Challenge’ project.       Some £37,000 has been invested in the station car park and approach road to deliver improvements for station users. Network Rail’s contractors Serco Rail Property, took just eight days to carry out an extensive refurbishment programme.         The project involved: ·        Removing the existing surface, which had become worn and uneven, and laying new hard-wearing tarmac ·        Installing a new kerb line to one side of the road ·        Laying down new road markings, including a disabled parking space in the car park Alison Salmen, Chairman of Hope Valley Access Group said: “The provision of a disabled car parking space and the clear markings of parking bays is a substantial development.   “Its considerable physical improvement removes the tripping hazard of an uneven surface, which will particularly benefit blind or partially sighted people, as well as people with physical impairments such as poor balance.” - more - Hope - 2 She added: “The improvements will be of general benefit to all people, whether or not they have a disability.” General manager for the Manchester area, Jo Green said: “The ‘Station Challenge’ project has provided Network Rail with an opportunity to make relatively minor improvements to stations that make a big difference to passengers. “Network Rail is committed to maintaining a safe and reliable railway, and as we continue to rebuild it, that commitment also includes maintaining all our facilities and amenities that passengers use to access the network.”