Customer information systems and CCTV has been installed at Atherstone station as part of a £100,000 revamp.
The improvement work, undertaken by rail operator London Midland and Warwickshire County Council as part of the Warwickshire Quality Rail Partnership (WQRP), also includes new signs, car park improvements, and information points linking the town’s bus and rail services.
Atherstone is served by London Midland’s new Trent Valley line service, which operates hourly trains between London Euston and Crewe.
The new service began in December and offers better links with the north, as well as fares into the capital for as little as £5.
London Midland business strategy director Mike Haigh said the partnership’s work was vital in improving facilities and information for passengers.
“The new timetable has been a tremendous boost to Atherstone which now enjoys regular London Midland services direct into the heart of the capital,” he said.
“This investment from the Warwickshire Quality Rail Partnership provides real time information for passengers and helps to integrate public transport.”
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said:
“The improvements at Atherstone have been delivered through the Warwickshire Quality Rail Partnership between the County Council and the rail industry. The County Council is committed to provide rail users with better facilities, better information and increased security. I have no doubt that the improvements will make a real difference for the people who use the station regularly.
“The involvement and support of London Midland has been crucial in delivering the improvements and they would not be possible without their willingness to take on the management and long term maintenance of the new facilities.”
WQRP provided funding for a new waiting shelter at Henley station, which was completed earlier this month, and Network Rail has plans to improve signalling on the Stratford line to provide faster services.
