A £2.7m facelift at Birkenhead North station has been designed to improve access for passengers – especially disabled people.

The upgrade includes a new lift and footbridge, replacing the original passenger footbridge. The scheme also provides ramped access from the car park.

Cllr Liam Robinson, chairman of the Merseytravel committee and Maarten Spaargaren, Merseyrail managing director unveiled a commemorative plaque at the station to mark the introduction of the new initiative.

Cllr Robinson said: “This project is a great example of how a range of organisations can some together to deliver new station facilities that will benefit the whole community.

“The response since the new car park opened at the station has been fantastic. It is already close to running at capacity and the new link to the bridge will make it much easier to access the station.”

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said that improving access and providing step-free routes would make a difference to passengers’ journeys from Birkenhead and across the Merseyrail network.

She added: “It will open up access to work and leisure for more passengers, all of which will help secure the |UK’s long-term economic growth.”