Approval in principle has been granted to improve accessibility at Accrington railway station in Lancashire by constructing a new footbridge with lifts.

The near-£5m project is set to receive approval from Lancashire County Council at their next Cabinet meeting due to be held today, Thursday, 2 November when they are also due to approve the process to procure a contractor to carry out the work.

Funding for the work will come from the East Lancashire Levelling Up project in which £50m of government funding is being invested into areas of Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale. As a prelude to work starting in those areas, studies are being made to find out where and how which schemes will make the most difference.

Local communities are being involved in the proposals which aim to improve residents’ health and quality of life by making access to public transport easier, providing green spaces, and making it easier to walk or cycle when making shorter journeys.

Train operator Northern, also has a number of other projects to improve accessibility, including using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to interpret customer announcements into British Sign Language,

Construction of the new footbridge and lifts is due to start this month with completion scheduled for May 2026. However, before any work can start planning approval is required, but by appointing a contractor beforehand the process will be quicker.

Councillor Aidy Riggott, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth said: “It is very important to us that all rail passengers are able to access the station fairly and we plan to use some of the vital Levelling Up funding for this.

“The Levelling Up East Lancashire funding will allow us to make a huge difference to commuter journeys, including making public access to public transport much better.

“The new footbridge facility and lifts will replace a 600-metre pedestrian route via local highways and bring the station up to date so that it will meet the needs of all passengers.

“During the last decade, the station has benefited from a £2m ‘Eco Station’ redevelopment, which included a new ticket office, waiting hall and car parking facilities.

“In 2022, a new ramp improved access on the Colne bound platform and improvements were also made to the car park including resurfacing and the addition of two new disabled spaces.

“The planned improvements will improve access for disabled rail passengers as well as those travelling with small children or luggage.”