A NOTORIOUS commuter station is to get a security facelift after a Chronicle investigation revealed passengers feel they are at risk on its platforms.

Rail bosses have vowed to make improvements at Reading West after commuters admitted they dread using the isolated station where a 35-year-old woman was raped on the footbridge over the track in September.

The brutal attack - which was not captured by the railway station's CCTV cameras - prompted safety questions and left passengers in fear.

But this week First Great Western's James Davis confirmed the company has already cleared overgrown bushes overlooking the platforms to improve visibility and has ordered four new, powerful lights.

He said: "Working with the British Transport Police (BTP) and Network Rail, following a review of Reading West Station we have cut vegetation on site which has considerably improved the situation.

"We are also working with Network Rail for additional lighting to the footbridge."

BTP spokesman Gavin Brown said two companies are also in talks about increasing CCTV coverage at the station, which is only staffed between 6.30-10.45am Monday to Friday.

Passenger Samantha Clarke, 37, from Tilehurst Road, said: "These changes would make a big difference. Particularly at this time of year when it's dark by 4pm. You can feel very scared waiting in the dark there."

Reading West MP Alok Sharma also backed our campaign for improved facilities at the station and wrote to First Great Western calling for better lighting two days after the attack.

He said he is delighted by plans to improve the station, and added: "Any measures to make commuters feel safer are very welcomed and I will be following up further with both First Great Western and Network Rail."

Police have made no arrests over the attack, which happened on the footbridge at 3.20am on Tuesday, September 25, but their investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 29 of September 25, 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.