'Yes' to railway station revamp (From Worcester News)

'Yes' to railway station revamp

6:10pm Friday 26th October 2012 in News By Tom Edwards

AMBITIOUS SCHEME: An artist’s impression of the agreed £500,000 project to revamp Malvern Link station.

A £500,000 revamp of Malvern Link railway station has been approved – despite concerns too many commuters are dumping their cars in nearby streets.

Worcestershire County Council’s planning committee backed the overhaul, which is designed to make the site more appealing to commuters. Under the plans the station will get a new booking office, two waiting rooms on either platform, covered cycle stands, revamped toilets and remarked car parking spaces.

It was unanimously backed, despite worries too many users are already parking in residential areas to avoid the charges at Malvern Link’s station.

The fees were introduced in 2006 and many rail customers are leaving their cars on the street instead.

During the debate, resident Peter Thomas said: “I support the scheme overall but I am concerned about the car parking.

“It provides considerable inconvenience and frustration for local residents and it’s entirely a Monday to Friday problem.”

The committee pledged to have discussions with Malvern Hills District Council over it, but praised the upgrade work.

Councillor Terry Spencer said: “We should all welcome the investment into this station. It’s very good news.

“There is no doubt about it, it will be of real advantage to rail users.

“I do sympathise with residents on parking arrangements but it happens everywhere, not just Malvern Link.”

Coun Emma Moffett said: “I thoroughly support the improvements, although I do agree car parking is a problem.”

Councillor Alwyn Davies, chairman of the planning committee, said: “I’m sure we will be working with Malvern Hills District Council on parking.”

Malvern Link’s station opened in 1860, and the original Victorian buildings were demolished in the 1960s.

The county council, London Midland and Network Rail are all working together on bringing the upgrade to fruition.

The work includes a new ramp from Osborne Road to one of the platforms so disabled customers can use it.