AFTER months of delays, Newton-le-Willows train station has finally opened to the public.

The project, delivered by Network Rail on behalf of Merseytravel, includes a new subway, stairs, lifts, ticket office and waiting facilities as well as a 400 space car park and new bus interchange.

The revamped station forms part of the birthplace of modern railway, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway line, which opened in 1830.

The scheme forms part of the Great North Rail Project, including the wider £340m investment by the Liverpool City Region and Network Rail in rail improvements until 2019.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region, said: “I am delighted that the new facilities at the Newton-le-Willows Interchange have now been completed.

“Through schemes like this, we are directly investing in our public transport system to deliver an improved service across the city region, enabling better access to a host of opportunities for work, education and leisure.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport Portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “The opening of the new and improved facilities at Newton-le-Willows is great news for local rail users and we thank them for the patience they have shown while the work has been taking place.

“The project team have faced a number of challenges in the construction of the new facilities but they have managed to deliver the scheme while keeping the station open and services running on the busy Manchester to Liverpool line.

“The new station and park and ride facilities are a significant investment by the Liverpool City Region. They will establish a transport hub which will link local transport through bus and rail with strategic rail links across the country, and is a prime example of our Long Term Rail Strategy being put into practice.”

Cllr Andy Bowden, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Balanced Development, Housing and Economic Opportunity, said: “I’m pleased to see that the improvements at Newton-le-Willows rail station have now been rolled out to the public.

“After close partnership working and investment by St Helens Council, the City Region and Merseytravel, residents and commuters will see Newton-le-Willows have a modern, accessible station with improved connectivity, making the most of its strategic location on the rail and road network.”

More details on the scheme can be found at merseytravel.gov.uk/newton-le-willows