GNER is building lifts at two of its stations at a cost of more than £600,000 each.

The work has begun at Newark North Gate and will commence at Grantham in early October. The lifts, which can carry up to 16 people, are being built in to the existing footbridges at both stations. Currently, anyone unable to use the footbridge at either station must use a crossing at the south end of each platform with the assistance of a GNER staff member.

David Roberts, station services and operations manager at GNER, said: “The railway stations run by GNER are already recognised as among the best in the industry – but we know there’s always more we can do. This extra investment will make these stations more welcoming and accessible.”

Earlier this month, Newark North Gate station was highly commended in the Medium Station category at this year’s National Rail Awards, after undergoing a £700,000-plus investment programme that included addition of a new travel centre, customer lounge and catering facilities. Grantham was similarly praised at the National Rail Awards in 2004.

David Roberts said: “These latest improvements will be appreciated in particular by anyone with a disability that limits access to steps or carrying heavy luggage.”

Work at Newark, which serves more than 700,000 customers annually, is due to be completed by the end of December. The lift at Grantham station, which is used by almost one million business and leisure travellers each year, is expected to be finished by early February 2008.

David Roberts said: “Inevitably there will be some inconvenience to customers while this work is carried out. We apologise for this but hope they will appreciate they can look forward to an even better station when it is completed.”