RAIL passengers in Selby are on track for a travel boost after a £50,000 revamp of the town’s railway station was given the go-ahead – and it is set to be completed by the end of the year.

First TransPennine Express, which runs the station, has won permission to rebuild its ticket counter, improve disabled facilities and install new measures to make the building safer for staff and commuters.

It follows a £250,000 package of work at the Station Road site last year, which saw the waiting room and buffet area refurbished and up-to-date toilets and automatic doors introduced.

The rail company now plans to begin its next raft of improvements “imminently” in a move praised by passenger groups and Selby MP John Grogan.

It will involve replacing the existing ticket facilities at the station, which have been deemed unsuitable because of the size of the windows and insufficient security arrangements, as well as a lack of adequate provision for disabled passengers. Part of the scheme will see bullet-proof glass installed and ceilings rebuilt, while it will also bring the station into line with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act by making the building more wheelchair-friendly through the introduction of ramps.

North Yorkshire County Council is to contribute towards the cost, with Network Rail also playing a part, and a First TransPennine Express spokeswoman said: “We welcome the news that planning permission has been granted and look forward to starting work on the project. Although no exact date for this has been set, it is imminent and customers can look forward to having an improved ticket office by the end of the year.”

Reg French, of Selby & District Rail Users Group, said the work showed First TransPennine was living up to promises made when it took over the station’s operation.

“We are very pleased to see it happening and that the company is following through its franchise commitments,” he said.

“It shows our views have been taken seriously, because this will be the last piece of a series of major improvements to this station.”

Mr Grogan said: “Selby Station has needed investment for a number of years, and this plan will give the town a station it can be proud of.”