£12m Welsh railway stations access upgrade

The cash will be used to create step and obstacle-free routes to platforms and station entrances through new footbridges, lifts and ramps

A £12m scheme improving access for passengers at five railway stations in Wales has been unveiled.

Stations at Machynlleth in Powys, Chirk near Wrexham, Ystrad Mynach in Caerphilly county, and Llandaff and Radyr in Cardiff will all benefit.

The cash will be used to create step and obstacle-free routes to platforms and station entrances through new footbridges, lifts and ramps.

The funding has come from the Welsh and UK governments.

Work will start at Ystrad Mynach later this month, with the other projects starting in May and June.

Transport Minister Edwina Hart said: "This scheme will greatly improve access to a number of stations and ensure more people can use the train.

"Public transport is a vital way for many people, including some of the most vulnerable in our society, to access jobs and services. I want to make sure our rail stations are accessible to all and offer a comfortable experience for passengers."

The work is being funded by £7m from the Welsh government and £5m from the Department for Transport.

Mark Langman, route managing director of Network Rail Wales which will be carrying out the work, said: "These enhancements will help passengers get access to platforms and cross more easily between them through the installation of new footbridges with ramps or lifts.

"Step-free access not only benefits disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, but also people with children, heavy luggage or shopping.

"In most cases, the improvements will open up the stations and the rail network to users who may not have been able to access them previously."