TOP level meetings have been held between the town's MPs and rail bosses over conditions at Warrington's three largest railway stations.

Work is needed to bring Bank Quay, Central and Birchwood stations up to 21st century standards, according to MPs Helen Jones and Helen Southworth.

Protests about access and parking at each of the three rail sites have prompted talks between the politicians and bosses at First North Western Trains and Railtrack.

MP Mrs Southworth has secured promises from Railtrack's director of buildings, John Pengelly, that car parking concerns will be addressed at Bank Quay.

People wanting to let the train take the strain have expressed anger at not being able to find a parking space after 8am.

Town centre workers have been accused of using the Wilson Patten Street site instead, leaving would-be commuters fuming.

But preferential parking rates are now to be introduced to discourage non-train users from leaving the cars there.

"It will help to make rail travel more attractive and our roads less congested," said Mrs Southworth.

Mrs Jones, who met David Franks, managing director at the train giants, with Mrs Southworth, is worried that rail services are not seen as a viable alternative to road travel.

The MP said: "Birchwood is fast becoming inaccessible to all passengers. Those with walking difficulties and mums with prams find it impossible to negotiate the steps.

"Bus and taxi services are not co-ordinated with the trains, leaving passengers stranded at the station or unable to get there at all."

Plans to upgrade access and improve passenger safety at Warrington Central station, in Winwick Street, are being drawn up by Railtrack and the borough council.

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