Passengers told to allow more time for station works

The area where the short-stay car park was is being transformed

A train operator has warned passengers who are travelling to a town's railway station by road to allow more time for their journeys.

The work at Chippenham's station forecourt includes upgrades to appearance, bus stops, disabled parking and 200 spaces for bicycles.

To allow for it, there will be temporary traffic lights on Cocklebury Road outside the station and the short-stay car park will only be available to buses and taxis.

Great Western Railway said the disruption could increase journey times to the station by five to ten minutes when busy.

The drop-off and pick-up point has been relocated to the long stay area, while parking on the other side of the station, next to Hathaway Retail Park, will be unaffected.

The aim is also to improve walking routes linking nearby college buildings and creating more public transport capacity.

Chippenham station manager, Oana Apetroaie said: "Chippenham is a really important station for both residents and visitors.

Work elsewhere in the station has already been completed as part of a larger plan

"We are delighted to have worked with the former Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership; Wiltshire Council, and Network Rail to deliver further improvements," she added.

A bigger plan to improve the station has already had the introduction of lifts, a new bridge, ticket gatelines and enhancements around the station building.

Wiltshire Council said it is pleased this next stage is happening as it adds to the £1.98m worth of work previously done by the council to improve access to the station.