A NEW £16.5m train station will come to Reading as the Government pledged backing for the scheme.

Reading Green Park will receive £2.3m from the new station's fund.

The two-platform stop will help create 7,500 new jobs and provide a rail service to 1,500 homes.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: "We are committed to improving journeys for passengers right across the country.

"This means delivering more trains, quicker journeys and making more seats available.

"The new stations fund is a great example of how our record investment in the railways and work with local authorities and industry is delivering better journeys for passengers and boosting local economies."

The new station will be open by March 2020.

Reading Green Park is one of five stations receiving a share of £16million.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “I very much welcome the £2.3m funding from the Department for Transport which will help deliver this important new railway station in south Reading.

“Reading Green Park Station will be a key part of the town’s future transport infrastructure as more homes, businesses and leisure developments are planned for the area. It will also be welcomed by football and rugby fans heading to Madejski Stadium.

“Quick and easy rail access to south Reading will also help keep traffic off the roads which is an obvious benefit to everyone.”