A PLAN to improve Pershore Railway Station car park, that had stalled for nearly 20 years, appears to have finally taken a step forward.

Commuters who have made calls for the town station’s small car park to be increased for years, look finally set to get their wish as it now appears to be back on track.

A plan adding at least 200 spaces of commuter parking as well as significantly increased parking for disabled rail users has now been submitted to the government.

The plan, which also includes installing a new connecting footbridge, has been under consideration since 2016 when West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin was first briefed on the proposals by Wychavon District Council.

In 2018 we reported Mrs Baldwin had slammed rail companies for causing “extremely frustrating” delays with the project.

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The MP says in the years since she went on to raise the matter with a series of government ministers and senior rail bosses to secure their support.

And last year, a redundant bridge was identified and Network Rail carried out assessments to see if the bridge could be installed in Pershore.

Both Network Rail and Great Western Railway – who runs the station – support the plan with the application made to the Department for Transport to allow the work to be carried out.

The MP said: “This car park and the enhancements that go with it, have been a long-standing ambition of mine.

“This plan means getting much more for local rail users – more spaces for commuters and better accessibility for less-abled people.

“We’ve been careful to consult key stakeholders and local rail user groups to make sure this has their support, and I have had detailed conversations with Network Rail and the Rail Minister to make sure this is something that will make Pershore train station better for all.

“Adding extra capacity at Pershore station is crucial to protecting this vital rail link and I am pleased that it now seems to be much closer to becoming a reality.”