A MULTI-million pound upgrade could turn Pokesdown railway station into a fitting gateway to Bournemouth, the area’s MP believes.

Campaigners have been trying for years to get lifts installed as an alternative to scaling the 42 steps from the platforms to street level.

Now Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood hopes to win backing for an £8million upgrade that would include a north entrance for the benefit of football fans heading to AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

Mr Ellwood said: “I have been campaigning for lift repair in Boscombe station and was pleased to secure a commitment by South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail in 2019.

“However, complications utilising the original shafts caused delays and as did the recommendation to also replace the ageing footbridge.”

Pokesdown Railway Station lifts funding 'could be lost'

Mr Ellwood held talks recently with South Western Railway, Network Rail and transport minister Chris Heaton-Harris.

He said the options were replacing the lifts for £3.4m, replacing the lifts and footbridge for £5.6m or a wider upgrade for £8m.

He said South Western Railway would contribute £1.6m and Network Rail £1.5m. But he wants BCP Council to find £2.5m and then submit a bid for £2.4m from the Dorset Local Economic Partnership (LEP) or the government’s Levelling Up fund.

Uplift Pokesdown campaign group release song about station

Mr Ellwood said: “I have also asked for consideration given to creating a new right of way leading from the north side platform designed to allow football fans simpler and faster access to the AFC Bournemouth grounds.

“I appreciate how frustrating delays to project have been. But there is a real opportunity to move forward and complement the wider Boscombe regeneration plans. This area of Bournemouth has huge potential and upgrading the principal gateway will help meet this.”

Pokesdown station to get lifts under new south west rail franchise

Pokesdown train station lifts won't be installed until 2020

SWR say Pokesdown Station upgrades will 'take longer to deliver'

BCP leader Cllr Drew Mellor said the council’s budget would be published next week.

He added: “We’re thankful for the significant efforts that have gone into this project from both Tobias Ellwood and Cllr Andy Jones over a number of years.

“Boscombe regeneration is a key priority of this administration and we will explore all options to unlock these much needed works.”