ANDOVER railway station is to be made more user-friendly for passengers in the biggest re-organisation of the area since the 1960s.

Old redundant railway sidings are to be removed and parking for more than 150 cars will be provided to serve the London-bound platform – easing chronic overcrowding in the main car park, which is often full by 8am.

The work is to be undertaken in two stages, with £350,000 of the total cost of almost £1m coming from developer contributions paid to Hampshire County Council as part of the deal granting permission for the Andover Airfield development.

The first stage of the work will concentrate on the London-bound platform, although improved vehicular access, more short-term parking and easier dropping off near the front of the station are included.

In his report, Hampshire’s director of economy, transport and environment, Stuart Jarvis, said: “The Andover Town Access Plan identified the need for improvements to access and customer facilities.

“As a result, a partnership scheme is proposed to facilitate a number of accessibility improvements to create access from the north side of the station.

“These works will facilitate a substantial stage of the projects which is for Network Rail to provide additional car parking.”

An off-road cycle route through the station car park is also planned, with secure cycle storage for 60 bikes on the platform.

A ramp will be constructed, enabling passengers using the London-bound platform to access it from the new car park, while a ticket machine and facilities for drinks and newspaper sales, plus improved toilet and waiting facilities, will also feature.

Part of the deal is also likely to involve some residential development in the area and new vehicular access to the railway station from Mylen Road and pedestrian access from Charlton Road – the principle of this has already been accepted by Test Valley planners, says Mr Jarvis.

The proposal mirrors work already undertaken at Grateley station, where parking provision doubled when land north of the station was brought into use for car parking.