Network Rail says passengers will notice an "enormous" improvement

Westinghouse Rail Systems has been given work worth �29m on installing upgraded signalling and telecoms.

Amec SPIE Rail will build two new platforms and reinstate a bay platform for passengers in a deal worth �24m.

The changes will mean the number of trains using the station each hour can increase from 24 to 28. Work is due to be completed by the end of 2007.

John Armitt, Network Rail's chief executive, said passengers would notice "enormous improvements" when the upgrading was finished.

'Better service'

"As well as looking more modern and being fully accessible, four extra trains will run every hour.

"The increased number of platforms and state-of-the-art signalling that are being installed as part of this project will give us the flexibility and technology to run a better service," he added.

The improvements are part of a longer-term plan costing �150m.