Rail chiefs have hailed a multi-million pound upgrade at Chatham Station to improve access for all users.

Earlier this month the old footbridge was removed as work began to provide step-free platform access, making the station easier to use for passengers with mobility issues, older people and parents with young children.

Now work has started on laying the foundations for the new bridge and lift shafts, and further details have been released by Network Rail about the £5.8 million project, which is part of the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme.

Once completed, two lifts and a new footbridge will provide an accessible route to and in between platforms, while tactile paving is designed to help visually impaired passengers.

New CCTV cameras and PA speakers are also being installed.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “It is fantastic that the major upgrades for Chatham Station will deliver a step free, accessible route at the station.

“As we build back fairer, it is crucial that our network is inclusive for all users.”

Meanwhile Fiona Taylor, Kent route director for Network Rail, said the work would give passengers "even more journey opportunities", adding: “We are working closely with contractors to keep disruption to a minimum and I’d like to thank passengers in advance, for their patience and understanding whilst the work takes place.”

Amanjeet Malait, station manager at Chatham for Southeastern, said: “We’re always wanting to do more for our passengers and so when this work is completed by Network Rail it will make an enormous difference to the way people use Chatham Station – making it fully accessible for the first time ever. The work will benefit everyone who uses this busy station, including our passengers who use wheelchairs, parents with pushchairs, those who have more difficulty with steps and people with heavy luggage.”

The project is due to be completed by Spring 2022.

Last year a plaque was erected at the station commemorating Asquith Xavier, a Chatham resident who fought in the 1960s against British Railways' racist employment policy to become the first non-white train guard at Euston railway station in 1966.

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