LOCAL train stations have been given a major boost as part of a £650,000 scheme from Northern.

The train operator has already laid more than 12,035 square metres of tarmac at its station car parks – about the size of 46 tennis courts – and, as part of its new ‘A Better Way To Go’ has promised further improvements including an industry-leading mobility scooter policy, the roll-out of more bodycam units for station staff, improved CCTV, car park refurbishments and platform extensions.

The £650,000 project was funded by Network Rail and has seen Windermere, Hyde North, Reddish North, Newton for Hyde, Disley, Dent, Styal, Castleton, Grange-over-Sands and Meadowhall station car parks given a facelift.

Northern has also relined the car parks to create safe walking routes and 353 parking spaces, including more accessible bays.

Mark Powles, customer and commercial director at Northern, said: “Our priority is always to make sure stations are safe, accessible and welcoming places for our customers.

“We are transforming our network to give customers better journeys and the improvements at our car parks will ensure those journeys begin and end in a more pleasant environment.

“We’ve made great strides with enhancements, large and small, across our entire network and car parks are just one part of it.

Mr Powles added: “Our new ‘A Better Way to Go’ campaign demonstrates the hard work that has taken place as we continue to transform rail travel in the north and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in making such a positive impact for the north.”

Matt Rice, route director for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “For many passengers, the station car park is the beginning of their rail experience. The improvements will make these gateways to the railway much more welcoming, and we’re delighted to have worked alongside our partners at Northern to deliver these upgrades.”

As part of the ‘Better Way to Go’ campaign Northern has launched an online tool allowing people to find out what improvements have been made to their local station.

To find out improvements at your local station visit www.northernrailway.co.uk/better