The lifts at Macclesfield train station have reopened today (1 April) following a £400,000 overhaul.

The works meant that passengers needing the lifts have needed to find alternative train routes depending on their journey for the last 12 weeks.

The investment is part of the Great North Rail Project aims to improve accessibility at the busy Avanti West Coast managed station.

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast station manager at Macclesfield, said: "We're pleased to have supported Network Rail's refurbishment of the lifts at Macclesfield as part of their Great Rail North Project and would like to thank customers for their patience while the upgrade works took place."

Tom Wadsworth, senior asset engineer for Network Rail, thanked passengers for their patient and said the works will "ensure the station remains accessible for everyone for years to come".

David Rutley, the MP for Macclesfield, described the work as "positive for local passengers".

"In normal times, many passengers and visitors use the station every day and this vital refurbishment of the lifts will make it much easier for everyone to access the platforms, especially those with mobility issues. I am pleased that Network Rail's £400,000 investment in Macclesfield Station has assured accessibility for many years to come," he said.

£10m is being invested in the region over the next three years to modernise lifts to stop unexpected breakdowns which can be hugely inconvenient for passengers.

Passengers are still being urged to keep following government guidance on the use of public transport during measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.