LONG-awaited work to upgrade Theale railway station has been delayed by nearly a year.

The £1.25m project to install a footbridge and lifts to both platforms was due to be completed by the autumn, but First Great Western revealed this week that work will not be finished until July.

Solicitor Tony Roe, whose office is based in Brewery Court, said: “Theale is a very vibrant community with local national and international businesses using the station, so it is a shame that this delay has happened” The project also includes a new ticket office and retail unit, more cycle parking, clearly marked walkways, a new pedestrian entrance and crossing point across Brunel Road and clear signs to key destinations like the village centre and Arlington Business Park.

It is being led by First Great Western and Network Rail, but work was halted when contractors discovered a large waste water pipe around the new station building which needed relocating.

West Berkshire councillor Alan Macro, who represents the Theale ward, described the delay as a “great shame.” He said: “There has been a long-running issue over the lifts and whether people could use them when the station is unmanned, as it is only staffed up until lunchtime through the week and on Saturdays. But we have been assured that the rules are being changed. We very much welcome this news because there were concerns people could become stranded on the platform with no-one there to manage the lifts.

“But I think First Great Western could have done more to inform people of the delay and the reasons for it, as they have not really communicated with the community.” First Great Western spokesman James Davis stressed work to the ticket office and retail centre is complete and confirmed the lifts will be available outside of station hours.

He added: “Further plans to enable provision of the lift and bridge, originally due at the same time, were ongoing as we make sure the design delivers value for money.”