A RAILWAY station could be in line for a multi-million pound facelift.

A £2m call is being made on Government funds to spruce up the station, in Middlesbrough, restore some of the Victorian features and improve pedestrian and disabled access.

An upgrade of the station underpass and entrances, improved car parking and pedestrian links to the Middlehaven old dockland redevelopment site would also be part of the package, if the bid for a slice of the Government's £440m Rail Passenger Partner Programme is successful.

The bid is being developed by the Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit and is backed by Middlesbrough Council, the Middlesbrough Town Centre Company and businesses.

The proposed improvements were recommended as part of an independent strategic study into the development of the town centre.

Deputy council leader and Labour Party mayoral candidate Councillor Sylvia Connolly said: "The station is the most important gateway to the Tees conurbation. But, in terms of appearance and facilities, it lets Middlesbrough and the people of Teesside down badly.

"Despite pressure from the council and other agencies and constant complaints from commuters, we have not been able to get action from the Strategic Rail Authority, Railtrack or the franchise operators. This is why it is vital we tap into these new resources.''

Businessman Brian Andrews, who owns the Cornerhouse bar near the station, wants to extend his business into areas including the old station buffet area and former parcel office.