VILLAGE commuters will benefit after £73,000 of improvements were unveiled at Poppleton railway station. Passengers will be able to wait in comfort with an enclosed glass canopy for those using the York-bound platform and a covered waiting area for commuters heading for Harrogate.

The development scheme, officially opened yesterday, was initiated and part-funded by City of York Council.

Other partners included Arriva Trains Northern and the developers of York Business Park. The new facilities will benefit the 3,500 residents in Poppleton.

Coun Dave Merrett, the council's executive member for planning and

transport, said: "Poppleton station has been much improved in recent years,

with the addition of lighting in the car park, cycle parking and now better

waiting facilities.

"The new facilities are a small but very important part of our five-year

programme to raise the quality of alternative modes of transport across the

city. It is only by raising standards that motorists will be persuaded to

switch to more sustainable modes of transport and congestion in the city

will be reduced."

Peter Cushing, Arriva Trains Northern's regional director, said: "This scheme is an example of how working in partnership can bring real benefits to local rail passengers. We are committed to improving the travel experience for our customers from start to finish and hope that these new facilities will encourage more people to use the station."

Updated: 12:07 Tuesday, April 16, 2002