Accessibility scheme completed at railway station

A £6.2m accessibility scheme has been completed at a railway station in Surrey.
Two new lifts and new footbridge have been installed at Leatherhead Station after work first started in January 2024 thanks to funding from the Department for Transport's Access for All scheme.
Although it was previously considered step-free, passengers had a long, steep and difficult route out of the station and under a railway bridge to switch platforms while avoiding stairs, Network Rail said.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail's local route director, said: "We want our railway to be as inclusive as possible and Access for All is opening up travel by rail to more and more people."
The funding was also used to make minor modifications to existing ramps and to widen platform two.
The station remained open throughout the work, which saw the existing subway with steps retained.
Southern has also built a new 26-bike cycle hub on platform one - which has a pump and maintenance area and is protected by a key fob entry system.
At the entrance to platform two, Southern has also installed a new double-decker bike rack for another 32 bikes and a parking area for six motorbikes.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Work starts on rail station accessibility upgrade
Plans could breathe new life into town - council
Disabled access issue tackled at railway station
Network Rail
Department for Transport

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Botanical Name: Spirea spp. Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Spirea is easy to grow because it adapts to many different soil types, doesn't require special care, and grows quickly. Give the shrub full sun, though it will also grow in some shade, and don't let the soil get soggy. Pink or white flowers emerge from blue-green or chartreuse foliage that changes color in the fall. Prune after the spring bloom and enjoy a rebloom later in the summer. Read the original article on Southern Living