MELKSHAM railway station is set to be transformed thanks to a new deal secured by TransWilts, the Wiltshire community rail organisation dedicated to improving services and connectivity.

TransWilts is already working with train operator Great Western Railway to improve the frequency and destination choice of services from Melksham station.

The move follows a dramatic increase in passenger numbers in recent years as the town has expanded.

Now TransWilts has secured a major three-year financial support package from Melksham-based Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK which will help realise its ambitious improvement plans for the station.

Working with GWR and Wiltshire Council, TransWilts has developed an ambitious and detailed master plan for the station site.

The first phase has already received planning permission and includes new platform signage, destination indicators, increased parking, electric vehicle charging, cycle storage and a community café.

Phase two would see further improvements in the station layout, including the northern pedestrian access.

TransWilts chairman, Paul Johnson said the financial support, details of which he declined to reveal, would underpin leasing agreements for the car park area.

He added: “I’m delighted to have secured this three-year stakeholder partnership with Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK.

“TransWilts and GWR can now work together with a major local employer to transform the Melksham station facilities.

“The Knorr-Bremse involvement is a great example of a company taking an innovative approach in support of its local community.

“The funding from Knorr-Bremse will underpin the substantial commitment TransWilts is undertaking to deliver to the people of Melksham, and visitors to the growing town, a station they can really enjoy using,” Mr Johnson said.

Paul Goodhand, managing director of Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK, said: “We are proud to be associated with this local initiative.

"We believe it adds real value to the community and offers genuine potential for future growth."