A major overhaul of the lifts at Macclesfield has been completed, allowing passengers to benefit from step-free access once more.

The lifts reopened this week after lift cars and mechanical equipment were replaced over the last 12 weeks.

As part of The Great North Rail Project, £400,000 has been spent to improve accessibility at the Avanti West Coast station.

Credit: Network Rail

Station staff were on hand throughout the work to help passengers making essential journeys.

Network Rail is investing £10m in the North West over the next three years to modernise lifts and stop unexpected breakdowns.

Tom Wadsworth, senior asset engineer for Network Rail, said: “Our refurbishment of the lifts will improve Macclesfield station as we get it in the best possible shape for passengers when measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 can be eased.

“I’d like to give a huge thank you to passengers for their patience during the upgrades which will ensure the station remains accessible for everyone for years to come.”

Credit: Network Rail

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast station manager at Macclesfield, said: “We’re pleased to have supported Network Rail’s refurbishment of the lifts at Macclesfield as part of their Great Rail North Project and would like to thank customers for their patience while the upgrade works took place.

“These improvements will provide reliable step-free access – making Macclesfield station accessible to everyone for many years to come.”

Credit: Network Rail

David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield, said: “The news that the work to upgrade Macclesfield’s station has been completed is positive for local passengers. In normal times, many passengers and visitors use the station every day and this vital refurbishment of the lifts will make it much easier for everyone to access the platforms, especially those with mobility issues. I am pleased that Network Rail’s £400,000 investment in Macclesfield Station has assured accessibility for many years to come”.