IMPROVEMENTS to the waiting room at Machynlleth Railway Station and the installation of a new shelter will start this spring, marking the end of major redevelopment work.

Network Rail has told the Cambrian News that they will carry out the work soon.

Passengers have raised concerns with Mid and West Wales AM Eluned Morgan that following completion of new facilities including new toilets and improved disabled access, the waiting area on Platform 1 remained closed.

Ms Morgan said: “I have been assured by Arriva Trains Wales that work will start shortly to refurbish the waiting space on Platform 1 which has been closed to passengers for some considerable period of time.

"The improvements which have already been completed really do improve the passenger experience and I hope will help to increase the numbers of people using public transport in the years ahead.”

The improvements are part of a Network Rail-led project. Network Rail own the station. The main project was called Access for All, a £370m upgrade programme improving accessibility by introducing lifts and ramps at train stations nationwide. This resulted in a new footbridge with two lifts at Machynlleth.

The footbridge was brought into operation in July 2016 and the lifts in October of that year. A new toilet block was brought into use in November 2017.

Network Rail will be installing a shelter on the section of platform which is currently unused and fenced off, adjacent to the stairs on Platform 1. This a separate initiative to the refurbishment of the waiting room on Platform 1 which is being progressed by Network Rail’s Buildings Asset Team.

See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now