Stratford’s town train station is to benefit from a new £1.26m footbridge for passengers after the Government approved a Warwickshire County Council funding bid.

Transport Minister Norman Baker MP, who last month visited the station ahead of the announcement, approved the funding for a new disability compliant footbridge at the town station which will be fitted with lifts. The scheme is to be completed by March 2014.

The improvements are being funded as part of the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme which aims to improve access to railway stations. The funding bid was for a £1m contribution, with the balance expected to be met from developer contributions collected in the Stratford area.

Warwickshire County Council will be working with London Midland and Network Rail to deliver the scheme. It is expected that the county council will manage and deliver the scheme and hand it over to Network Rail once constructed.

When it is built, the new footbridge will mean that people will no longer have to use the barrow crossing – a mini level crossing between the platforms – if taking a train from the island platform. The barrow crossing is problematic for passengers who cannot manage the stairs because it requires a long walk and a wait for station staff to escort them across the track.

The existing step footbridge will remain in place, following its recent restoration by Network Rail.

Cllr Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, said: “The new footbridge is a much-needed improvement which will help bring the station up to date by providing better access for passengers.

“The securing of this funding reaffirms our commitment to the long-term future of the town station and that it continues to be a vital transport hub after the opening of the new Parkway station.”

Nicola Moss, London Midland’s Head of Franchise Management said: “We are delighted that Stratford-upon-Avon station is going to become step-free as a result of this funding. This will be of real benefit to many of our customers.”