PLANS for extensive refurbishment of Darlington's railway station have taken a step forward.

Rail operator GNER has submitted detailed proposals to the borough council to revitalise the Bank Top station, with a host of improvements and safety measures.

The company has joined forces with construction company Shepherds of York, as well as Australian design agency Humphrey and Edwards, to work on a series of improvements to the East Coast Main Line.

The Darlington project will be an integral part of the multi-million pound upgrade package.

The company has submitted plans to the council for an extension of the Garbutt Square car park to provide 81 extra spaces, plus additional lighting, security and a help point. The scheme would bring the car park into line with AA regulations.

Railway officials are also seeking consent for alterations to the station building.

GNER spokesman Andy Naylor said: "There will be a refurbishment of the subway to make a more secure environment for passengers through better lighting and CCTV coverage.

"We will also be improving the public announcements system and setting up a mobile customer information point."

The letting of the construction contract is expected to be announced early in the New Year and work should be completed by the end of next year.

Mr Naylor said: "Over the next two years our station improvements programme will be intensified to ensure great consistency in services and facilities."

Between now and 2005, GNER is investing £100m in an intensive programme of improvements to all its trains and stations.

Increased closed-circuit television coverage at the Darlington station, provided by the council, has already been hailed as a major success.

Car crime has been halved since cameras were installed at the station just over two years ago.

The cameras were funded by a £170,000 Home Office grant and were installed by the council with a target of reducing crime by 30 per cent by 2005.

The planning applications will be considered by councillors in the next few months