Elderly and disabled passengers will benefit from safer and more accessible railway stations thanks to a multi-million pound Government cash boost, Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced.

A total of 523 stations across England and Wales will be upgraded thanks to £37 million of funding, which includes a £6.1 million contribution from the Department for Transport to improve station access for people with restricted mobility.

The Government's contribution, which has been allocated from its £370 million Access for All fund, will help pay for ramps, lifts and disabled access toilets and parking spaces at railway stations as well as better customer information screens and public announcement systems.

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The Access for All fund, launched with a £370 million Government funding pot in 2006, is an on-going programme to transform train stations across England and Wales by improving accessibility for people with limited mobility.

Geoff Hoon said: "We want disabled and elderly people to travel on the rail network more easily and in greater comfort and I am delighted to be able to announce this latest round of improvements.

"Railways should be for everyone and with passenger numbers increasing, it's vital we can cater for disabled and elderly people in this country."

In this latest funding round, the Government's contribution is boosted by match-funding from local authorities, Passenger Transport Executives, the Association of Train Operating Companies, Transport for London and train operating companies.

(JM/BMcC)