Network Rail has reached a major milestone in the £5 million project to improve accessibility at Port Glasgow station, with the installation of a new ramp at the Princes Street entrance.

Principal contractor STORY began work to create step-free access at the station in February.

It has been funded by the Access for All (AfA) scheme, with contributions from Inverclyde Council, and is designed to make it easier for people with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children, or bicycles to access the platforms.

A crucial part of the design was to provide new uncovered ramped access to the main station at Princes Street, complete with modern railings, new lighting, and a CCTV system.

Councillor Cassidy, the vice-convener of environment and regeneration for Inverclyde Council accompanied Tommy Rodger and Anne Ross from Port Glasgow West Community Council came to site to mark the completion of this part of the works.

Laura Craig, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail said: "We are delighted to welcome Cllr Cassidy, Tommy and Anne to site and provide an opportunity to see the progress the team has made.

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"Once the project is complete it will be a great boost to the community and so it is great to have the support from Inverclyde council and the backing of the community council."

Cllr Cassidy said: "What a difference to Port Glasgow station already with a modern and welcoming new main entrance and, most importantly, step-free access for people with mobility issues, those with prams, and passengers travelling with luggage."

A new footbridge and lifts will also be installed at the station. Once complete they will take station users from the entrance, over the railway, with lifts providing step-free access to and from the Gourock bound platform, and the park-and-ride car park.

Cllr Cassidy continued: "And there's more to come with the new bridge and lifts which will make Port Glasgow station, one of our busiest stations, one of the best and most modern in Inverclyde.

"This project is one that we, as a council, are delighted to support and I look forward to seeing the next stages of the development."

Tommy Rodger, secretary for Port Glasgow West Community Council, said: "The difference to the Princes Street entrance is fantastic. You can already see a lot of passengers with bikes, buggies and cases choosing to use the ramp.

"We are really looking forward to the next milestone of the bridge arriving and when the lifts are ready it will make it so much easier for many people to move freely around the station. The community council has been vocal in wanting the station to be made more accessible for many years, so we are very happy with the progress so far and what is still to come."

The footbridge is set to be craned into the station on July 22. For safety reasons, closures will be implemented at Highholm Avenue park and ride car park and the station entrances overnight. Signage has been erected at the station and those living near the station were informed in advance.