WORKS worth over £1.5million to make Bournemouth station to be more accessible to the public are under way.

The diggers are out in force and the short-stay spaces on the Weymouth-bound side are gone from Bournemouth railway station as Bournemouth council works in partnership with the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance to carry out the improvements.

Taxis continue to line along the road outside the station and bus stops and parts of the road are fenced off as workmen focus on the bus stops, coach station and area close to Fitspace gym.

The work is part of the council’s Three Town’s Travel commitment to tackle Bournemouth’s future congestion, with funding also from the government, which is set to be complete by late 2015.

John Collins, Bournemouth station manager, said: “The improvements will play a significant role in creating a great first impression of our town to visitors.

“Over the next few months we’ll be working hard on the changes whilst reassuring all our visitors that it’s business as usual at Bournemouth station.”

Other changes being made to the station include alterations to the layout making it easier for people to use the buses, taxis and cycling facilities, better signage and updates to the train station’s canopy and facilities.

Commuters are advised that short stay car-parking and car drop-off facilities for rail passengers will be available on the London-bound side of the train station during the works.

In addition, there will be a car drop-off area available for disabled passengers only on the Weymouth-bound side of the train station.

All other passenger access to the train station and connections from the existing bus services, coaches and taxi stands will be maintained as the works continue, along with access to neighbouring businesses.