Rail passengers have welcomed plans for a multi-million-pound modernisation of Didcot Parkway railway station, but said improving train services should be a priority.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet yesterday voted to approve a £5.4m scheme to transform the forecourt of Oxfordshire’s second busiest station into a transport interchange and gateway for the fast-expanding town.

A pedestrian piazza, new drop-off and pick-up point and more space for buses and taxis will be provided.

However, station forecourt parking will be cut by almost 50 per cent.

Last night, commuters welcomed the news, although some said money would be better spent on improving rail services.

Simon Grime, 43, who works at Milton Park, said money should be spent on both the station and its train services.

He said: “It needs a two-pronged approach. More car parking makes complete sense here, as this is a major commuter centre, but it depends what they can achieve with the money.”

John Weston, 40, who commutes to Didcot, said: “The money should definitely go on improving the trains.

“The trains are overcrowded and they never run on time and they’re expensive.

“The money should be spent on making trains more regular.”

Vikki Farr, 17, of Blewbury, said: “It’s good, because I think parts of the station are out-of-date and anyone can just walk through without getting a ticket.

“It also gets really congested about 5pm in rush-hour. I think the trains are fine.”

Zahra Akkerhuys, 36, a spokes-man for Oxford commuter group OxRail Action, said: “We welcome improvements to station facilities but they shouldn’t come before more improvements to the train services.”

Ian Hudspeth, the county council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “At busy times the current station forecourt becomes gridlocked, as each transport mode jostles for the same limited space, causing safety issues for pedestrians and delays to local bus services.

“This has an impact on the reliability and attractiveness of buses as an alternative to the car.”

John Cotton, South Oxfordshire District Council’s cabinet member for Didcot, said: “The station forecourt improvement forms an important part of the plans that the council has for the future of Didcot. “The town will see significant growth and regeneration in future years, so it’s vitally important that Didcot has a station that reflects this and is able to accommodate the demands of a larger town.”

A spokesman for station operator First Great Western said it was not putting any money into the project, but said it was helping the council to deliver the scheme, which is expected to be completed by spring next year.

Better facilities for walkers, cyclists and bus users are promised, along with more space for buses, taxis, bikes and cars when redundant buildings are demolished.

The central pedestrian piazza will be flanked by a dedicated bus and delivery area and a larger taxi rank.

Secure cycle parking and an undercover walkway to the station building would also be built.

Although station forecourt parking would be cut from 270 spaces to 146 by the scheme, more spaces will be provided at the main station car park, in Basil Hill Road.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to the district council next month.

didcot@oxfordmail.co.uk