Town's £2.3m train station revamp completed

A train station has been described as "fit for the future" as £2.3m worth of upgrades are completed.

Chippenham railway station in Wiltshire now has a cycle rank with 200 spaces, more room for buses and a wider entrance in a bid to reduce delays and combat a traffic pinch point.

There is also step-free ramp access and more disabled parking.

Officially unveiling the new facilities, Wiltshire Council leader Ian Thorn said the upgrades "strengthen Wiltshire's transport network", making everyday travel easier for residents, businesses and visitors.

"It's great to see partners working together to deliver a station that is safer, greener and fit for the future," he added.

New walking routes with the town centre and Chippenham College, a new taxi rank, and a redesigned pick-up and drop-off area are also part of the upgrades.

Natural stone paving was also introduced at the front of the station, a nod to its Grade II listed heritage.

The works - which lead to warnings about travel delays - were carried out by Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR), who worked in partnership with the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Wiltshire Council.

Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson said the improvements at the station "are a fantastic investment" in the town and "those who rely on the railway".

Tom Pierpoint, industry programme director for Network Rail and GWR, said: "This transformation creates a station Chippenham can be proud of, providing modern facilities to support the growing community and the local economy."

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