ST HELENS Central Station is in line for a major facelift under ambitious proposals by Merseytravel.

Merseytravel is commissioning a £16 000 study to boost the railway station, which is used by more than 2 500 people every day, by improving its appearance and links with the town centre.

Merseytravel Rail Committee Chair, Terry Hanley said the station suffers because of its isolated location and poor access, especially for people with mobility problems.

Coun Hanley said: "A station can often present visitors with their first impression of a town - and the walk from Central is hardly inspiring. We want to improve the station by modernising its facilities and making it more attractive to existing and potential customers. This will have a positive economic effect for the town centre and the whole borough."

The study will focus on four major points including better integration with the town centre, modern passenger facilities including better access and security, potential for a bus and rail interchange and extra park and ride spaces with provisions for cyclists.

Coun Hanley added: "St Helens is already a well established retail centre and we are ambitious to take it further. Our bus station moves 6 million people in and out of the town centre every year and shows what can be achieved with integrated planning."

The study will also identify a range of options and costs for the scheme, as well as other issues such as the possibility of re-opening the rail link with St Helens Junction.