Media centre

Monday 17 Jan 2005

MINISTER VISITS NEW LOOK SWINDON STATION

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Tony McNulty MP, Minister of State for Transport, visited Swindon today to mark the completion of a two year £9 million project to improve the town’s railway station. Following the completion of Platform 4 and new stairs up to Platform 3 in 2003, over the past 12 months: ·         A disabled ramp has been added to Platform 4 to provide direct wheelchair access between the disabled car park and station ·         The station’s entrance has been upgraded along with improving the emergency evacuation of the station ·         The station forecourt has been overhauled to upgrade the pedestrian access to and from the railway station and provide level access to the bus station ·         The subway has been refurbished to improve its appearance and reduce the occurrence of flooding ·         A new fire detection and alarm system has been installed Peter Leppard, Acting Western Route Director, said: “We are delighted with the result of this project, which has vastly improved Swindon Station. It took a great deal of work over a long period of time and we hope it will be appreciated by Swindon’s rail passengers.” Network Rail contributed £2.8 million to the entire project, £5.6 million was provided by the Strategic Rail Authority and £0.55 million by First Great Western. Mark Heffernan, First Great Western’s Head of Stations, said: “The enhancements to Swindon Station will not only make rail travel easier and more pleasant, but will improve the look of the area for everyone in Swindon.”