VITAL work to refurbish a Southampton train station has begun.

When complete, the work to refurbish platform canopies at St Denys station is expected to provide a better experience for passengers on South West Railway Services.

The full 38 metre length of the canopies on platforms two, three and four will be renewed in glass reinforced plastic and aluminium.

Network Rail, the company behind the refurbishments, says the work is required because of the age and condition of the timber structure.

It is said to be prone to leaking, not only getting passengers wet, but also creating puddles and causing a hazard for people walking up and down the platforms.

Chris Ellis, regional manager south at SWR said: “This work represents a significant upgrade to St Denys station which will not only help to keep customers dry in wet weather, but also make the station safer to use.

“Our stations sit at the heart of the communities we serve and they are key to maintaining exceptional customer service.

“That’s why we are committed to enhancing stations across our network through improvements such as this one.”

The improvements will provide better shelter for passengers waiting for trains travelling to Southampton, Portsmouth and London Waterloo.

Jonathan Spencer, scheme project manager for Network Rail Wessex, said: “The new platform canopies will provide a better passenger experience for years to come, as due to the age and condition of them, maintaining them was no longer an option.

“It’s great to be part of a project which will improve passengers journeys, demonstrating Network Rail’s commitment to putting passengers first.

“While the majority of the work is taking place at night, we will try to keep noise to a minimum and apologise for any disruption. “

Work is expected to be complete by Easter 2021 and the station is planned to stay open throughout the work.

Network rail has however reminded passengers travelling to and from the station to take care whilst on the platforms that their will be scaffolding.