Whitchurch station will be getting redeveloped as part of a £350 million government fund.

The new funding, which was confirmed in the wash up period of Parliament before the general election, will see the station be made more accessible for disabled people.

Currently passengers must currently navigate 44 steps to reach the southbound platform which means that disabled people and those with mobility issues face severe challenges to cross onto the opposite platform after disembarking trains heading towards Shrewsbury.

The funding will now allow the lifts that have been designed for the station earlier this year by Network Rail

Town Mayor Andy Hall said: “Whilst we are waiting for confirmation, I would like to say how delighted I am with this news for our town, it’s a long time coming.

“Whitchurch Town Council has campaigned for this outcome for years and more recently, the tireless support of our MP Helen Morgan is now getting this over the line.”

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MP for North Shropshire, Helen Morgan, said the issue had long been a priority during her time at Westminster which has seen her lobby members of the government for the changes.

“After years of campaigning, multiple letters to the Rail Minister, repeat questions in the House of Commons and non-stop back and forth with Network Rail TfW – the Government has finally approved funding for step-free access in Whitchurch,” said Ms Morgan.

“It means the designs for lifts that are already in place will now be taken forward.

“I've been working hard on this since before my election and most recently pressed the Rail Minister in a debate in Parliament just a few weeks ago.

“This should have happened years ago but I'm glad the consistent campaigning of all involved has finally paid off.”

Conservative Candidate for North Shropshire, Simon Baynes also welcomed the news and said: “Great news announced today by the government that Whitchurch Station has been awarded Access for All accessibility funding.

“Along with North Shropshire Conservatives and Councillors, we have been campaigning hard for this so it is fantastic news that the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, whom I met with recently, has agreed to award this funding.”