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Wednesday 9 Aug 2006

MEDIA INVITATION: BRIDGE BOOST FOR TAPLOW TRAIN USERS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Date: 11 August 2006 Time: 12.30pm Location: Taplow Station Event: Network Rail and the Taplow Rail Users Group will join the Chairman of South Bucks District Council to cut a ribbon to officially unveil the refurbished Taplow station footbridge Media contact: Stuart Buss 07799 337367 Network Rail will put its best foot forward on Friday as it joins the Taplow Rail Users Group (TRUG) to officially unveil the refurbished footbridge at Taplow station. Network Rail has invested £250,000 in renovating the footbridge in time for passengers using the station for the World Rowing Championships at Dorney Lake from 20 - 27 August. The footbridge will be unveiled by Network Rail’s project team and Jon Willmore, TRUG Chairman, who has been instrumental in the refurbishment of the footbridge. Network Rail’s Route Director Robbie Burns said: “We are committed to protecting the heritage of the railway, so I’m delighted that we have been able to restore this historic footbridge back to its former glory. Taplow station will be the gateway to many people attending the World Rowing Championships later this month, so this huge investment shows our commitment to providing the local community and visitors to the station with the best possible facilities.” Richard Rowland, First Great Western's Regional Manager, says: "We are committed to continually improving stations for customers and this work by Network Rail is a real boost to the improvement programme. We're particularly delighted that this work has been brought forward to ensure that it was completed before the start of the World Rowing Championships later this month and we thank all those involved for pulling out all the stops to make sure it happened." TRUG Chairman Jon Willmore said: “Network Rail’s investment has restored community pride in a fine local station. As well as a contribution to the Rowing Championships the station’s improved condition will encourage more use of Taplow from what is a pretty and convenient location, with half-hourly weekday and Saturday services. We are already looking to build on the success of a wonderful refurbishment, and will be working hard to obtain additional station amenities such as better car parks and refreshment facilities at Taplow.” Work on the station footbridge started on June 12 and included strengthening the bridge’s deck and steel girders, replacing the damaged dagger boards and completely repainting the structure in its original colours. During initial works earlier this year, the original footbridge dagger board was also uncovered, which dates back to 1884 and is inscribed with the names of the original builders of the bridge. Joining Network Rail and TRUG at Friday’s unveiling will be representatives from train operators First Great Western; South Bucks District Council; Buckinghamshire County Council; local parish councils and other local organisations.