New car park planned for Welshpool Train Station
A new car park will be built to provide extra spaces for train travellers in Mid Wales after the introduction of new services.
A car park already exists at Welshpool Station, but the town council is now planning a new 25-bay car park for the other side of the line.
It comes after the Welsh Assembly confirmed it will run a peak time hourly service between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. Welshpool Town Council will discuss how the car park will operate when it meets next week.
Robert Robinson, town clerk, said: "The Welsh Government asked Welshpool Town Council to progress the car park as going the rail route would take a long time. The scheme is to provide a car park on the industrial side of the main line station comprising approximately 25 car spaces. There would also be signage to indicate to motorists where the new car park is."
The council has two options for the car park, the first being for the council to take over the lease with the Welsh Assembly funding the work. The second option would see Network Rail liaise with Arriva Trains Wales to hold the lease.
Mr Robinson added: "The funding from the scheme will come from the Welsh Government for option one and partly central government for option two.
"The first phase of funding comprising £30,000 is being paid to Welshpool Town Council to hold until the remaining funding is in place."This is so that it is ring fenced for the project. There is no obligation to proceed and if the scheme is abandoned the money just gets paid back." It is believed the car park will open by the end of July.
