Work has begun on a £7 million scheme to modernise Rugby’s railway station.

The year-long project will see the removal of the old canopy covering the platforms and the demolition of the top floor of the station building.

In its place will be a new canopy with a modern design. Railtrack engineers, who are carrying out the work, have promised that the new structure will fit in sympathetically with the Victorian building.

Work will also be carried out to improve the platform and car park surfaces, replace fencing and updating electrical supplies.

Builders have moved in to the station to make the area safe before a 12 week demolition programme begins.

Railtrack spokeswoman Michelle Conaboy said the scheme was part of a £1 billion refurbishment scheme.

She said: 

"For some stations that’s little more than a lick of paint.

"We will be replacing the old canopies with new ones that look far better.

"But the work in Rugby is fairly major. We will be demolishing the canopies and replacing them because they are starting to look shabby.

"This will give covered access to platforms at each end of the station."

Miss Conaboy said that the decision was made to demolish the second floor of the station buildings because they had not been used for years, and the transformation would allow the new roof to fit in with the canopies.

She added that work would not begin in earnest until all the correct safety measures have been taken, as the station would remain open for business.