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 has been campaigning for better access at Theale station for nearly 10 years and making representations to government. He has campaigned for improvements alongside Theale Parish Council, West Berkshire Council, and campaign group Theale’s Future.

Theale was on one of three stations in West Berkshire and Reading Borough that received £18 million of government investment from the Department of Transport in 2018. Theale’s share of the funding is going towards a new fully accessible footbridge with lifts, a new ticket office, doubling of car parking spaces and improved access for buses and taxis.

These upgrades are now well underway, with most of the foundational work complete, in addition to the widening of platforms. Work on the structure of the footbridge has now begun too, with the steelwork structure currently being installed.

Commenting on the progress, Sir Alok Sharma said:

“I am delighted that work to improve accessibility at Theale Station is well underway. Having campaigned hard over many years to win Government funding for this project it is great to see it finally coming to fruition. I know that the upgrades will benefit greatly commuters, especially wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs.” 

Network Rail capital delivery director Stuart Calvert said:

“Work has been progressing well at Theale station with the first major set of works taking place over the weekend. This includes 3 new lift towers and support columns being installed.

“Work will continue now over the coming weeks and months to provide passengers with a fully accessible station. We look forward to welcoming passengers being able to use the lifts between platforms from early 2024.”