EURO transport supremo Neil Kinnock opened Merseyrail's newest multi-million pound station on Friday.

Commissioner Kinnock unveiled a plaque at the multi-million pound Conway Park station, which is scheduled to open for business in June.

The station was jointly funded by Merseytravel, Wirral City Lands and Wirral Council, together with £6.1m European Union Objective One backing.

Merseytravel Vice-Chair Wirral councillor Hugh Lloyd said the new station was integral to the strategy for the regeneration of Birkenhead as a major economic centre for the 21st century.

"I am delighted that this station will act as a lynch pin in Birkenhead's renaissance, complementing the massive programme of regeneration and revitalisation that is transforming the town.

"Conway Park will generate around 7,000 trips daily. Along with Birkenhead's showpiece bus station, this will provide access to direct into the new heart of the town," said Coun Lloyd.

Located between Hamilton Square and Birkenhead Park, the station links directly into the Merseyrail network and offers access to Liverpool, Chester, Ellesmere Port, New Brighton and West Kirby.

Commissioner Kinnock said Conway Park Station was a fine example of Merseyside's real commitment to an integrated, sustainable transport system.

"By enabling people to travel efficiently by train, it will help reduce the pollution and congestion which are a drain on the economy as well as harmful to the community's health environment," he said.

Following the unveiling, Commissioner Kinnock made a brief inspection of the station before travelling by Merseytravel SMART bus to Bidston Station.

From Bidston, the commissioner went by train to Wrexham for a station dedication, then to Chester for a top-level meeting of European Union Ministers.

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