Cash boost for Preston station
The station's notorious subways, described as "medieval" by Government transport chiefs, are set to be completely revamped.
The lifts which serve one of the subways will also be given an overhaul.
The work comes after Preston was named one of the country's worst stations by Government rail 'champions' last year.
And earlier this year a mystery shopper exercise by respected campaigners TravelWatch NorthWest branded the Grade II listed building "threatening".
Today passengers welcomed the announcement, which will see cash pumped in under the Department for Transport's National Stations Improvement Programme.
Chris Dale, of TravelWatch NorthWest, said: "It is excellent news. That subway was not a place I would like to spent a lot of time going between platforms. Anything that is going to improve it has got to be good news."
But he added: "We have said in our report that more still needs to be done at Preston station."
Aidan Turner-Bishop, of the Lancashire Campaign for Better Transport, said: "This is very welcome. It is one of the things that the transport minister Lord Adonis picked up on when he was here.
"That grotty subway does put people off, especially at night."
The station has two subways. One is linked to the platforms by ramps while the other is served by lifts.
Cladding is being removed from the walls and ceilings, new cladding applied, and brickwork cleaned. The floor is being resurfaced, as are the ramps up to platform level.
New lighting is being installed and there will be 'line of route' information to tell passengers about the rail network around Preston.
Meanwhile, all four lifts linking platforms one to six and the station entrance and exit are being refurbished. The lift shafts at platform level are being cleaned and either painted or clad.
The lift on platforms one and two is the only way for passengers in wheelchairs to access the subway and other parts of the station. While the work is being carried out, a special lift operated by additional staff is being used to 'walk' wheelchairs up or down the stairs.
Work on the lifts will be completed soon and the subway work will be finished in August.
Transport Minister Chris Mole said: "The Government's funding for this upgrade will greatly improve facilities for rail passengers travelling through Preston station, while causing the least disruption possible.
"We are dedicated to transforming stations throughout the country."
Linsey Robinson, station manager for Virgin Trains, said: "The subway refurbishment and renewal of the lifts will deliver a very positive improvement.
"The Virgin Trains team members at Preston are delighted at the prospect of welcoming passengers to a far more appealing environment."
Work in the subways is being carried out in such a way that they will always be in use and there will always be sufficient width to accommodate wheelchairs.
The Department for Transport is contributing 775,000 towards the Network Rail subway upgrade. Lancashire County Council is adding 10,000.
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 14 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
