The issue:
One of Alok’s top priorities as an MP has been to campaign to improve local transport infrastructure that will help boost Reading’s economy.
-
Alok lobbied hard to win funding from the Department for Transport for the upgrade to Theale Station.
-
The station will see improvements to the car park, a new ticket office, new cycle parking, a refreshment area, a new CCTV system and new pedestrian entrance.
-
Alok has lobbied First Great Western and Network Rail to deliver this project quickly after delays as a result of the contract for works having to be re-drafted following Network Rail’s reclassification as a public sector body in September 2014 to ensure proper governance and to head off any implications regarding State Aid and Competition Law.
On Friday 16 June, Sir Alok Sharma, Member of Parliament for Reading West, went to see first-hand the progress being made on accessibility works at Theale Station. Work to improve the accessibility of the station began back in January.
Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, pressed for answers on when upgrade works will take place at Tilehurst and Theale stations during a meeting held last week, with First Great Western Managing Director Mark Hopwood and Rail Minister Claire Perry MP.
Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, has welcomed the announcement that the Department for Transport will be providing £1.73million additional funding to complete works making Theale Station wheelchair accessible.
Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, on 26th September 2012, attended a community consultation event at Theale Station, organised by First Great Western, West Berkshire Council and the Theale’s Future group.