HIGHBRIDGE train station could be set for a makeover if a £30,000 bid to make improvements is successful.

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council have submitted a bid to Great Western Railway (GWR) for the funding which could see improvements made to the station's appearance and accessibility to make it a 'more inviting, user friendly environment for everyone.'

At a town council meeting on Monday (December 17) it was revealed the town council has been working with Highbridge Chamber of Trade to draw up the bid and earlier this year Councillor Peter Clayton and town clerk, Tatiana Cant, met with representatives from GWR, Somerset County Council and Severnside Community Rail Partnership to discuss the station's future.

Cllr Clayton said: "It is clear there will be considerable growth in the near future due to increased local housing and potentially greater employment opportunities.

“The station is important for commuters, local businesses and as destination station – with onward travel to Burnham, Berrow and Brean.

"In order to support the economic development of the area and local tourism, it is important to improve public transport.

"There are a number of issues at Highbridge rail station including insufficient car parking, a lack of disabled access, a lack of ticket office or ticket machine and the station's distance from the closest bus stop.

“Solutions proposed include improving the bus service, creating more parking spaces, installing street lighting, applying for £1-2million of grants for disabled access, and requesting a ticket machine.”

Cllr Clayton said Sedgemoor District Council was keen to help facilitate improvements at Highbridge and Bridgwater train station and are prepared to enter into negotiations with key stakeholders.

The town council will find out if the bid has been successful in January 2019 and if approved works will include replacing light columns, cycle shelters and signs.

Councillor Phil Harvey welcomed the news and proposed that a Friends of Highbridge Station group is formed to oversee the project.

He said: "I’m very pleased to see some progress being made with this meeting.

"Having Sedgemoor District Council co-ordinate the meetings is useful.

"I hope the land behind the old Co-Op store can be developed as part of the improvements.”