£60m is being provided by the government to improve rail stations around the UK.

The funding boost will enable train operators to bid for a share of the money towards improvements such as car parks, ticket gates and better facilities.

An initial round of funding worth nearly £100m has already gone towards the redevelopment of 45 stations across the country since 2011. Stockport received £4.3m to construct a new 1,000-space multi-storey car park, which opened last year.

During a visit to the station, Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: "With increasing numbers of people choosing to travel by train, this funding will make a real difference to passengers. With its impressive new car park, Stockport is a great example of what can be achieved, and I hope it inspires the industry to come up with similar ideas.


"We are investing record amounts in improving rail journeys across the UK as part of our plans to build a stronger economy and a fairer society."

Chancellor George Osborne said: "This funding scheme has enabled a number of improvements like ticket gating and regenerated commercial space which have greatly improved passengers’ experiences at railway stations across the country. I am keen to see what new ideas train operators and local authorities will now come up with to improve station facilities and provide good value for money for the taxpayer."

The new fund will be managed by Network Rail, who will jointly assess the bids and will be involved in overseeing the work at stations.

(IT/CD)