Improvement works at Weymouth railway station are now complete.

Councillors and officers from Dorset Council, Richard Drax MP, Chris Loder MP and the managing directors for South Western Railway and Network Rail (Wessex) officially opened the station.

Other representatives from organisations which helped shape and fund the improvements were also in attendance.

The multi-agency partnership-led improvement scheme which completed last summer includes a refreshed car parking layout with clearer drop-off, collection and taxi points, improved bus links, a new bus shelter and bus information, more secure bicycle storage plus new pedestrian areas and walking routes.

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The railway station forecourt now also has a landscaped planting scheme, new lighting, and CCTV to deter antisocial behaviour. In a nod to Weymouth’s railway history at the adjacent Pocket Park, new information panels about how the use of the railways in the town have changed over the years. Further improvements at the station include a living wall, a completely refurbished canopy on platforms 2 and 3 and new station café.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council, said: "Dorset Council invested significantly to enable these improvements to the railway station and its surrounding area. Responses made through the consultation confirmed that people thought the station was in poor condition and a hotspot for antisocial behaviour. This work has transformed the forecourt into a more welcoming and accessible place for visitors, residents and businesses.

"It is vital that we provide modern and attractive public transport infrastructure like this to encourage people to reduce their car use and traffic congestion, improve air quality and help us meet our climate targets."