Chirk Railway Station To Receive £2m Funding Boost

Chirk Railway Station is set to get a £2m Welsh Government cash boost.

Yesterday Transport Minister, Edwina Hart confirmed the station is one in five in Wales that will benefit from a share of £12m to help improve access to stations in Wales.

Llandaf, Machynlleth, Radyr and Ystrad Mynach stations will also receive funding as part of the cash boost.

The £2m will deliver a ramped footbridge – providing an accessible route to platform one (for south-bound trains) for the first time. The project will also provide accessible drop off point, disabled car park spaces, improved station signage and some new tactile paving.

Mrs Hart said: “This scheme will greatly improve access to a number of stations and ensure more people can use the train. This is another significant investment by the Welsh Government to meet our objectives of delivering a modern, accessible and affordable rail system for Wales.

“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.”

It is believed that work on Chirk station will begin in May and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The programme is funded by £7m from the Welsh Government and £5m from the Department for Transport. The improvements themselves will be carried out by Network Rail.

Labour Assembly Member Ken Skates said the announcement was ‘fantastic news’ for the town.

Mr Skates said: “Hard-working campaigners have for years called for improved access at the station, and – like them – I am glad that these long-awaited plans are now able to get off the ground thanks to major investment from the Welsh Labour Government.

“I would like to congratulate those who have lobbied for this, particularly the Friends of Chirk Station, and I am delighted their hard work and dedication to improving the town is to be rewarded.”