Reading MPs bid to save £15m rail station roads scheme

The station is being remodelled by 2013 as part of a £400m revamp

Reading's MPs are to lobby ministers over a £15m roads project as part of the £400m Reading train station revamp.

The station is being remodelled by 2013 to include five more platforms and two additional entrances.

Reading Borough Council was set for £15m from the government to upgrade the road network around the station but are concerned it could be axed.

MPs Rob Wilson and Alok Sharma will meet transport minister Mike Penning on Friday in a bid to save the scheme.

'Economic driver'

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the project had been put on hold, along with many others, pending a spending review to be published in October.

Network Rail is carrying out the £400m revamp which will be completed regardless of whether the road project gets the go ahead.

Mr Wilson said: "This £15m is important, I am fighting for it which is why I've arranged this meeting.

"But at the end of the day it is not as important as the station project itself which is a key economic driver for the town."

Reading Borough Council said it was awaiting a decision from the DfT and would reassess the plan if the funding was axed.