A TRAIN operator has launched a renewed bid for funding to help improve access at Colchester North rail station.

Greater Anglia has put in a proposal for Access for All funding - a Government funding programme for schemes to improve access for the station which is used by more than 4 million passengers a year.

Earlier this year it said it had applied to the Department for Transport for funding for the lift but the request was refused.

At the time Greater Anglia said it was because workers would have to go under the track bed and rebuild the ticket office area meaning it would cause severe disruption.

If the new bid is given the green light, Greater Anglia hopes to use the cash to build a new passenger lift which would link the platforms and subway to the main booking hall and car park.

Although there is a lift on the other side of the station, disabled passengers arriving at the main entrance have to use a stairway fitted with a wheelchair stair lift to access the platforms.

The scheme would create entirely step-free access at the station, and, it is estimated, would benefit around 52,000 people a year who require lift facilities because of restricted mobility.

The projected cost has not been revealed.

The scheme has support from, Colchester Council, Essex County Council and the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership.

Greater Anglia expects to know if it has been successful in the new year.

Jonathan Denby, head of corporate affairs at Greater Anglia, said: “Combined with the continued growth in the number of rail passengers and the impressive accessibility characteristics of the new trains, there is an even greater impetus from Greater Anglia and the local authorities to try to secure the funding needed to tackle the issue.

“We are committed to improving access at Colchester as soon as possible.”

Colchester Council leader Mark Cory said: “We welcome the opportunity to support Greater Anglia in its bid to improve accessibility.

“Colchester mainline is a major commuter and interchange station serving more than 4 million passengers a year, so better access to the north side car park and ticket hall will be a huge benefit.”