Renovation of station's listed footbridge begins

The renovation is due to be completed by early 2025

Work has begun to refurbish a Grade II listed footbridge at a railway station.

The repair of Stroud station's bridge, which was built in 1914, is expected to be completed next year.

While the work takes place, sections of the car park on either side of the Gloucestershire station will be out of use, with around 34 of the 150 spaces at the station blocked off.

Another car park, run by Stroud District Council, is available a short walk away off Cheapside.

Network Rail said the footbridge would be taken down and moved to the car park to be renovated.

It will be grit blasted and its timber and steelwork will be repaired and then repainted.

The improvements will "significantly" reduce the amount of parking available

The treads and timbers of the staircase and the station's canopies will also be refurbished.

To maintain access between the two platforms, a temporary bridge will be built at the south-east end of the station.

Network Rail portfolio manager John Charlton said the work would maintain the station's safety.

“We’re sorry for the disruption but this essential work will benefit Stroud for decades to come," said Mr Charlton.

Great Western Railway station manager for the South Cotswolds area, Ben Scott, said the car parking changes would be in place until early 2025.

“We are pleased to see that these station improvements are about to get underway to upgrade the facilities for our customers at Stroud," he added.