A NEW multi-storey car park has been opened by the Minister for Transport at Banbury Station.

Baroness Kramer cut the ribbon of the 707-space, four-storey car park which is part of a £10m investment in the future of the station.

Located off Bridge Street, it has access to the station via a covered walkway and bridge to the concourse and platforms.

It is the first stage in the redevelopment of the station which will also see a new station bridge, waiting area and toilets.

On Monday, Baroness Kramer said: “I was pleased to open Banbury station’s new car park, which will make a huge difference for its increasing number of passengers.

“Our funding has helped create a more attractive, environmentally friendly and passenger-focused station, thanks to its new cycling facilities and electric car-charging capacity.’’ Rob Brighouse, managing director at Chiltern Railways, said: “The car park is a real milestone for Banbury Station and is part of our ongoing commitment to give our passengers a high-quality experience of travelling with us.”

The venture has caused some controversy in the town after it was passed after a U-turn vote by Cherwell councillors in March 2013.

Planning officer Simon Dean said at a meeting in February last year that the development would have an “unacceptable level of over-dominance” over flats in Merton Road and would leave an unacceptable traffic imprint.

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