PASSENGERS could enjoy better facilities as part of a major revamp of Hanborough station that it is hoped will help beat congestion on the county's roads.

West Oxfordshire District Council is to consider a proposal to inject £10,000 towards building a new station building.

It comes after statistics revealed the number of passengers using the stop has almost quadrupled in the past 10 years.

The number of people using the station soared from 76,580 in 2006/07 to 238,580 in 2016/17 despite recent competition from the new Oxford Parkway station.

The proposal, subject to final costs, is for a new ticket office, waiting room and toilet. Operator Great Western Railway (GWR) is also looking to house a small retail outlet in the building.

Colin Dingwall, who represents Hanborough on the district council, said that the proposed expansion will have huge benefits for travellers.

He said: “Currently there is no waiting room at the station, just a covered area.

"With some retail use, such as a coffee shop, passengers will have a much more comfortable experience.

“I also proposed to the council that we impose superfast broadband for people in the area and Hanborough station will gain access to this broadband later in the year.

"Hopefully GWR will provide a Wi-Fi hotspot there so that people can use their personal devices with super-fast web connection."

The modular building that will be built at the station using the cash was previously used at Abbey Wood station on the North Kent line, but became redundant with the opening of a new Crossrail station.

It has now been acquired by Great Western Railway for use at Hanborough in a project which will cost an estimated £250,000 in total upon completion including the council's £10,000 contribution.

Jeff Haine, WODC cabinet member for strategic planning and economy, welcomed the development proposal after the 'promising' increase in visitor numbers.

He said: "In the past 10 years, passenger numbers at Hanborough have more than trebled and clearly there is a need for the station to be developed to meet that demand.

“The proposed investment in this infrastructure will improve passengers’ experience as well as easing congestion on our roads."

The work is being seen as the first phase in the development of Hanborough, with future developments set to include additional car and cycle parking, signalling and track improvements.

The expansion plans will be considered by the council on January 10, one week after passengers were hit with an average rail ticket price increase of 3.4 per cent, with some commuter routes experiencing price hikes of more than £100.