Long-awaited work starts to make station step free

Work has begun to make access to a railway station step free - nearly 20 years after it was first promised.

Passengers at Luton were first told back in 2006 the improvements were on the way when the government launched an Access for All fund, promising to spend £370m over 10 years.

Despite successive governments announcing fresh funding, the work was never done.

But Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway said the project had finally got underway. The finish date is spring 2027.

At the moment, only one of Luton's five platforms is step free.

Under the Access for All programme, the station will get a new footbridge with three lifts to make all platforms accessible.

The bridge will be installed in June, with the lifts added towards the end of 2026.

The MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, Rachel Hopkins, said: "This much-needed work will provide long overdue accessibility measures, so all residents in Luton South and South Bedfordshire can utilise the station and travel on our railway without difficulty."

Part of the borough council's action plan to develop the town centre included a new station entrance, ticket office, bridge and lifts.

The area outside the station is part of a redevelopment project that includes a performance venue, new homes, commercial spaces and a food court.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said the improvements could mean "more people can travel independently."

Step-free access will also be introduced at Apsley station, about 13 miles (21km) from Luton.

From March, platforms there will be shortened and parking spaces reduced while the work takes place.

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