WORK is due to start on a £15,000 scheme to improve disabled access to Evesham railway station.

It is thought that the project to build an access ramp to the London-bound platform could be completed by March.

Campaigners for the improvements have thanked Evesham Town Council, Wychavon and the county council for their support and funding of the scheme.

The plans were also backed by local people, 400 of whom signed a petition urging Thames Trains to make the work a priority. An old ramp at the station was removed by the company in 2002 on grounds of design safety and it had been feared no replacement would be installed.

Fred Kaler of the Evesham and District Pensioners Association said he was delighted that the scheme would be going ahead. "We all have a moral duty to ensure that the Disability Discrimination Act is not ignored in or outside buildings in the community.

"We would like to thank the Evesham Journal for its support and accurate reporting of our campaign to reinstate access, also we wish to convey out thanks to the residents of Evesham and surrounding area, who gave their time and support in this worthwhile campaign, which will be of benefit to both residents and visitors to Evesham."

Danny Walker of Disability Awareness in Society (DIAS) added that there are more improvements in pipeline for the station. "The final cherry on the cake is that a refurbishing of the ladies and gents toilets will take place and a new disabled facility constructed, with work expected to start around May."