Neighbours are celebrating news that work is FINALLY set to begin to add lifts to Tilehurst Train Station after years of campaigning.
The lifts will allow better access to all including those passengers with wheelchairs or pushchairs and those with heavy luggage to access platforms 2-4, which are only accessible using steps.
The news has been welcomed by Reading Borough councillors Mark Keeping and Raj Singh.
Cllr Keeping (Labour, Kentwood) said: “At last!!! Following on from our campaign a few years ago, work will soon be commencing on installing the long awaited lifts at Tilehurst Station.
“Set-up will start this month with works starting in February.
“A drop-in session will be held at Tilehurst Station for people to meet the project team.
“The project will involve some overnight and weekend works at the site. Completion is expected in late-2024.”
The team in charge of the project will host a public meeting for passengers, neighbours, and stakeholders at the end of this month.
Meanwhile, cllr Raj Singh (Conservative, Kentwood) said: “Beginning in February 2024, construction activities with pilings and lift shaft installation will commence.”
Initially, Network Rail had hoped to complete the project in the Autumn last year. However, it is understood the rail authority needed time to appoint contractors for the construction.
The public meeting will be held at the station from 4pm to 6pm on Tuesday, January 30.
The Great Western Railway runs services from Tilehurst to Reading and London Paddington in the east and Didcot Parkway in the west.
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