WORK to upgrade a number of rail stations across Greater Manchester - including Navigation Road in Altrincham - has got underway.

The first phase, which began from September 11, will see customer information screens, public address systems, CCTV cameras, help points and induction loops installed at 25 stations across the region.

The second phase will see tactile paving installed on the platform edges of several of the 25 stations to enhance safety on the platform for passengers with a visual impairment.

The £2.4m works, which are wholly funded by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as part of its Rail Station Improvement Strategy (RSIS), are set to be completed by early summer next year.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “Rail stations in our region are absolutely crucial to providing an integrated public transport system that keeps passengers moving and our economy growing.

“Some stations are not of a great standard and are old, inaccessible and unattractive – and customers often feel unsafe using them.

“I am delighted that the TfGM Committee has approved additional funding to enhance them by financing a range of customer-focused facilities.

“We need to support more public transport use and rail stations need continued investment to encourage more people to leave the car at home and choose rail travel as a viable option.”

TfGM Head of Rail, Amanda White, added: “We want to make travel easier in Greater Manchester, which is why we are providing facilities like help points, CCTV systems and public address systems to contribute to a more pleasant and assured journey experience.

“Our aspiration is to play a greater role in the management and operation of rail stations, and we are speaking with Government about how we can make this happen, moving closer to a fully integrated transport network in Greater Manchester.”

Since 2008, TfGM has delivered improvements at 46 rail stations across Greater Manchester as part of the RSIS programme.