Disabled rail passengers will two months of disruption in the new year as Macclesfield train stations two lifts get a £400,000 upgrade.

The upgrade means that the northbound platform 1 will be the stations only wheelchair accessible area to board.

Passengers travelling south from Manchester to Macclesfield who cannot use the stairs have been advised to continue their journey to Stoke-on-Trent and change to a northbound train to arrive at platform 1.

Those travelling south from Macclesfield towards Stoke-on-Trent have been told to head north to Stockport and change to a southbound train.

Network Rail says the "much-needed" investment is coming as part of the Great North Rail Project will make step-free access more reliable to station platforms.

Work will start on Wednesday 20 January and take place until Wednesday 31 March 2021. Staff will be on hand at Macclesfield station to assist passengers during this period.

Network Rail said for passengers this means:

• No step-free access will be available at Macclesfield station between Wednesday 20 January and Wednesday 31 March.

• Anyone who needs step-free access should book assisted travel with their specific train operator.

• During the lift upgrade work, tickets will be valid for passengers to travel via the nearest step-free stations.

• While the lifts are out of use, only Platform 1 will have step-free access. This platform is used for trains travelling north.

Tom Wadsworth, senior asset engineer for buildings at Network Rail, said: "This investment into the lifts at Macclesfield station is much-needed and will greatly improve reliability for passengers.

"We understand the upgrade will be disruptive for passengers and we are working closely with station operators to make everyone's journey as easy as it can be during the work.

"I'd urge anyone planning to travel to or from Macclesfield during the ten-week project to plan ahead and book assisted travel with their specific train operator."

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast station manager at Macclesfield, said: "We're working with Network Rail and industry partners to help customers as the works to upgrade the lifts at Macclesfield station take place.

"As always, our teams will be on hand to help customers travelling to and from Macclesfield during this time but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey.

"We would like to thank customers for their patience while Network Rail undertake this latest scheme for the Great North Rail Project."

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "We warmly welcome this significant investment at Macclesfield railway station which will improve access facilities for passengers and visitors to the town.

"I would like to thank rail users in advance for their patience while these works are undertaken and for any inconvenience experienced.

"I would also encourage any passenger with access needs or disability to contact their train operator's passenger assistance service, in advance of their planned trip, to arrange support for their journey.

The councillor added that the investment was a "vote of confidence" in Macclesfield.

Passengers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to plan in advance on the National Rail Enquiries journey planner at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Contact details for the Passenger Assistance service are as follows:

• Avanti West Coast Assisted Travel – 08000 158 123
• Northern Trains Passenger Assistance – 0800 138 5560
• CrossCountry Trains Travel Assistance – 0800 030 9224