A RUNDOWN railway station has been given a £57,000 makeover.
Holytown station, which sits on the Glasgow-Edinburgh via Shotts line and which serves the town and New Stevenston, Lanarkshire, had become an eyesore, with litter blighting the entrance to the facility.
But just weeks after work on the upgrade began, the station has been given a facelift, as well as improved pedestrian access to the south platform.
The project, funded by North Lanarkshire Council, involved clearing out undergrowth, removing steep stairs and installing a ramp for disabled people and anyone pushing prams.
New handrails, pathways, two short flights of steps and landscaping have helped transform the land adjacent the station.
Welcoming the completion of the project, Councillor Helen McKenna, convener of North Lanarkshire environmental services committee, said: "I have been campaigning for these improvements for many years.
"Before the work was carried out the area was an eyesore and a magnet for rubbish. Now we have seeded grass and wild flowers, which should be ready to bloom in a couple of months, a proper walkway and safe steps."
Holytown Station, originally opened to assist the coal mining industry in 1869, had been in need of the upgrade for some time.
Stewart Landscapes carried out the work, which also included an upgrade to the existing Network Rail maintenance access route.
The works were funded from the council's roads and transportation budget.
James Coyle, the council's planning and transportation convener, said: "Residents have welcomed the project since it goes a long way to tidying up their area.
"More importantly, it opens up Holytown and New Stevenston to all rail travellers.
"Although it will be a while before we are certain, the early indications are that having a fresh, safe open and lit walkway is already encouraging greater use of the station."
stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk