As first announced back in November, Network Rail is advising passengers that work to replace the lifts at Macclesfield railway station will begin next week.

The £400,000 investment is part of the Great North Rail Project and will help keep the station step-free.

As both lifts will be out of action at the same time, there will be no step-free access at the station from the 20th of January until the 31st of March.

Any passengers who need step-free access should book assisted travel with their train operator, tickets will be valid to travel to the nearest step-free station.

Platform 1 will still have step-free access and is usually used by trains travelling in a northerly direction.

Tom Wadsworth, senior asset engineer for buildings at Network Rail, said: “This lift upgrade will improve Macclesfield station as we get it in the best possible shape for passengers when measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 can be eased. The work is a key step in ensuring the station remains accessible for everyone for years to come.”

“We’re asking passengers with additional accessibility needs who must travel during this latest coronavirus lockdown to plan their journeys in advance while Macclesfield station’s lifts are out of use. I’d also urge them to book assisted travel with their specific train operator.”

“We understand the upgrade will be disruptive for passengers and we are working closely with station operators to make everyone’s journey as easy as it can be during the lift upgrades.”

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast station manager at Macclesfield, said: “We’re working with Network Rail and industry partners to help customers as the works to upgrade the lifts at Macclesfield station take place.”

“As always, our teams will be on hand to help customers travelling to and from Macclesfield during this time but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey.”

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while Network Rail undertake this latest scheme for the Great North Rail Project.”

John Robson, CrossCountry regional director West Midlands and North West, said: “We understand this work may cause some short term disruption for passengers. However, when complete it will mean better and more reliable step-free access, and an easier travel experience for everyone using the station lifts.”

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We warmly welcome this significant investment at Macclesfield railway station which will improve access facilities for passengers and visitors to the town.”

“I would like to thank rail users in advance for their patience while these works are undertaken and for any inconvenience experienced.

“I would also encourage any passenger with access needs or disability to contact their train operator’s passenger assistance service, in advance of their planned trip, to arrange support for their journey.

“The rail station is a key gateway for Macclesfield and it is great news that this investment will improve passenger facilities and help prepare the station for the expected increase in passengers once HS2 high-speed rail to Crewe and beyond is delivered. It is another vote of confidence in the future of Macclesfield.”

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