VISITORS to the region's newest rail attraction could be treated to a first-class welcome if they choose to arrive by train.

With a railway museum due to open at Shildon, County Durham, in September, Durham County Council is planning to spruce up the town's station, which has been targeted by vandals in recent months.

Durham County Council is being asked to approve a £170,000 improvement package at the station when it meets on Monday.

Included in the facelift would be a £22,000 security system using security cameras, which could be fitted later this month.

In a report to the council, deputy chief executive (environment) Chris Tunstall says he expects the use of the station to increase once Locomotion: The National Railway Museum opens.

He said: "Shildon station is particularly rundown and heavily vandalised.

"The scope of the recommended works, including the installation of CCTV cameras, would improve the security of the travelling public, generally raise the quality of facilities and appearance of the station and encourage its greater use."

Mr Tunstall said that cameras covering the station and museum site could link into the same system.

Once installed, other works would go ahead including improved lighting, new waiting facilities, better passenger information services and information for disabled passengers.

Funding would come from the council's Local Transport Plan budget.

Shildon County Councillor John Quigley said: "It would be ridiculous to have a new national railway museum served by a rundown railway station. The improvements, and particularly the provision of security cameras, would certainly encourage more people to use the station."

Published: 16/04/2004