Media centre

Monday 21 Feb 2005

SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT ON MERSEYSIDE

Region & Route:

Approximately £6.5 million has been invested in stations across Merseyside and the immediate area as part of the Modern Facilities at Stations (MFAS) programme. The programme has been funded by the Strategic Rail Authority, with work carried out by Network Rail and is due for completion by Spring 2005. A total of £25 million has been invested in facilities across the country. An official opening of the facilities at Aintree station, where some £380,000 was allocated, was held today with a plaque unveiling by Minister of State for Transport, Tony McNulty MP to commemorate the programme. Dignitaries from Merseyside and the rail industry were invited to the event. Transport Minister, Tony McNulty, said: "Improving facilities at rail stations is vital if we want more people to use the railway. Passengers will benefit from updated customer information systems, improved waiting areas and better security through the installation of CCTV.” "It's encouraging to see such significant investment being put into station improvements - ensuring that rail users can start and finish their journeys in clean, safe environments." Simon Kirby, Director of Major Projects and Investment, said: “As the person responsible for delivering many of the engineering projects in Network Rail I am especially pleased to mark the completion of a collection of projects that will a make real difference for passengers in Merseyside and the North West.” Stations on Merseyside to benefit from the programme include: ·         Town Green - new Customer Information System (CIS) ·         Birkenhead Central - new waiting room and CIS ·         Bootle New Strand - new waiting room and CIS ·         Formby – new waiting room and CIS ·         Hillside – new CIS ·         Hooton – new waiting room and CIS ·         Orrell Park – new waiting room and CIS ·         Waterloo – new waiting room and CIS ·         Bebington – new waiting room and CIS ·         Sandhills – new CIS ·         Hightown – new waiting room and CIS Other stations in the North West have also benefited from the programme and have received new toilets (including DDA accessible toilets), shelters and CCTV. A total of 26 stations have been modernised in the North West with 21 of these in Merseyside and the immediate area.