Rail customers in Dawlish are enjoying brighter, cleaner and more comfortable station surroundings.  Dawlish is one of the latest stations to undergo refurbishment in train operator First Great Western's £40 million station investment programme.

Several projects are currently in hand to enhance the safe, clean, friendly environment at Dawlish, as part of First Great Western's long term commitment to providing the best standards of rail travel in the South West.

Some improvements have already taken place as part of the refurbishment but customers can expect to see further changes over the next few weeks.

Improvements include refurbishment of the waiting room on platform two; and complete repainting of the exterior of the grade two listed building to complement new, clearer signage.  Toilets have also been refurbished.

The First Great Western estates division has also worked closely with Devon County Council to design an access ramp from the car park to the platform and construction work on this has now started.

A new fast ticket vending machine will be installed this month to allow customers to buy tickets before and after the station ticket office has closed.

Mark Chorley, First Great Western's Station Manager for South Devon, says: "The station will now be far more welcoming for the start of the tourist season in town.  The refurbishment of Dawlish station has been fantastic and the investment highlights the commitment First Great Western has in providing the very best in rail travel. The improvements already show a marked difference in the outlook of the station and have certainly made an impact on customers. New facilities and initiatives allow us to provide an even more efficient and professional service."