Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) have completed work to make Chippenham station fully accessible.

The work, which cost one million pounds and was carried out on behalf of Wiltshire Council, brought a lift into use on the northern side of the railway. The station now has three lifts, which enable step-free access to platforms from both sides.

Engineers have also altered a staircase on the northern side of the station to allow safer entrance and exit for people using the public right of way.

The next stage of improvements to Chippenham station will see work carried out on its south side. Discussions are under way to appoint a contractor.

Chippenham MP, Michelle Donelan, said:“The completion of this £1 million accessibility scheme at Chippenham station is fantastic news for residents and visitors alike, meaning all members of our community, including those with mobility challenges, can easily access the station and enjoy the convenience of step-free access.

“It reflects our joint commitment to ensuring that our transport infrastructure is inclusive and accessible for all. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a success.”

GWR Business Development Portfolio Director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “We’re delighted this next phase in our planned improvements for Chippenham station is now complete and customers can benefit from a fully-accessible station.

“Chippenham is a very important station for travel to Bristol, London and across Wiltshire on our TransWilts line to Westbury and beyond, and we are delighted to have been able to work with Wiltshire Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership and Network Rail to deliver these improvements.

“We know that working together means we can deliver more and we are committed to a cooperative, collaborative approach with the communities we serve.”

Wiltshire Council Member for Transport, Cllr Caroline Thomas, said: “We are really pleased these improvements have been completed as it means the station is now fully accessible. This latest investment complements the £1.98 million package of transport measures previously completed by the council to improve pedestrian and cyclist access to Chippenham station.

“The works have been delivered in line with our Business Plan priorities, and our aspiration to have well-connected communities that enable local communities to live, work and socialise locally, which this and further improvements at the station fully supports.”

Swindon and Wiltshire LEP Chief Executive, Paddy Bradley MBE, said: “Chippenham station is a valuable asset for the town and surrounding area, enabling travel to all parts of the UK.  Improved access will help attract more users and assist with the economic development of our region.

“This project will make Chippenham station a more accessible and welcoming place for residents, workers and visitors and help to boost the local economy.”

Network Rail’s sponsor for the project, Alina Wolfe Murray, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Chippenham station is now fully accessible from both sides, with the new orientation of the footbridge stairs providing safer pedestrian access and an improved walking route for the public over the railway line.

“This is a brilliant example of partnership working across multiple organisations to improve access to the railway for our passengers and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in making this happen.

“I’d also like to thank local residents and passengers for their patience while this work was carried out and hope that they’re able to enjoy the benefits of a fully-accessible station for years to come.”