FACILITIES at two train stations are being transformed with a £235,000 investment.

Leigh and Thorpe Bay will both soon have more facilities for both drivers and pedestrians.

Work is already underway at Thorpe Bay station to install two electric charging points for cars and two dedicated disabled parking spaces.

The footpath at the front of the station is also being made accessible for disabled passengers, as part of a £120,000 investment.

At Leigh, three new modern bus shelters will be put up with real-time service information displayed on a screen.

The station will also get two extra taxi rank spaces, disabled parking spaces, an improved road layout and a safer walking route for pedestrians, as part of £115,000 work.

The works are being funded both by rail company c2c and Southend Council.

Tony Cox, Southend Council’s cabinet member for public protection, waste and transport said: “The improvements at Thorpe Bay and Leigh stations will not only bring some real benefits for residents but also serve to enrich the experience for people visiting Southend.”

c2c Managing Director Julian Drury said: “Working in partnership with Southend Council means we can ensure our passengers have the best facilities possible at c2c stations.”

The work at Leigh will begin this week with both stations’ work expected to be finished within the next month.

Peter Slattery, chairman of the Southend Rail Travellers Association, said: “It’s definitely good news, station improvements are always welcome.

“With the decision over the franchise still to come, we’re happy to see c2c are doing something positive instead of sitting on their hands.”