VALE of Glamorgan AM, Jane Hutt, met the Network Rail team upgrading Cadoxton station today, to see first-hand the work being delivered to make the station accessible for all passengers.

The upgrade, which is being carried out by principal contractor Alun Griffiths, will see the installation of a new footbridge with two lifts, providing step-free access from the station entrance to platform two for the first time.

This will benefit those with reduced mobility as well as passengers with children, heavy luggage or shopping.

The £3 million scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Access for All programme, with match-funding from Welsh Government.

Work began at Cadoxton station during the summer 2019, with access improvements also planned for Barry station during 2020.

Rhys Howells, scheme project manager for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “We would like to thank the community for their patience while we carry out this important work to make the station more accessible for passengers.”

Jane Hutt, Assembly Member for the Vale of Glamorgan, said: “It was great to see the progress that has been made in making the station accessible.

“I know this will make a big difference to people with access needs and provides more people with the opportunity to choose to travel using public transport.

“I am glad that there are plans for similar works at other stations in Barry Town Station and hope to see upgrades across the wider Vale.”

James Price, CEO at Transport for Wales, said: “It’s great to see work progressing through the Access for All programme.

“In addition to this, Transport for Wales are investing £194 million in station improvements throughout our Wales and Borders network, including the building of at least five new stations.

“We will spend £15 million on making our stations more accessible, which will further improve the customer experience and help us create a transport network that people can be proud of.”

The funding for Cadoxton station was allocated at the beginning of Network Rail’s Control Period 5 (2014-2019).

The UK Government has allocated a further £300m of funding to continue with the Access for All Programme in Control Period 6 (2019-2024).