PLANS for a ramp to allow disabled access to the London-bound platform at Evesham Station is finally to go ahead, it was announced this week.

The project is one of seven schemes costing a total of £750,000 at stations in the Midlands announced by train operator First Great Western.

The Evesham scheme is the largest access scheme of those announced. A new ramp will be provided to the eastbound platform, to Oxford, Reading and London Paddington.

The move follows the closure of a foot crossing on safety grounds several years ago. New lighting and signs will also be provided.

The announcement follows months of confusion over the future of the development.

Initially, it was announced that Worcestershire County Council and Railtrack would carry out the work but that plan was shelved.

It was later announced the Department of Transport was setting up a special fund for this type of scheme and Railtrack was invited to apply for funding for the work.

Now, the work will be carried out by the train operator.

First Great Western customer services director Glenda Lamont said: "We have worked hard to demonstrate why these stations, and the communities they serve, deserve this funding.

"We only began operating six of the stations in April. For these schemes to be given the go-ahead just a few months later shows how determined we are to improve services for our customers.

"Huge thanks are also due to our partners and other bodies which have helped secure this funding."