Ewell West station is set to become more accessible with a new footbridge and lifts.

Network Rail has submitted a planning application to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, but has legal power to carry out the work unless the local authority thinks it should be done elsewhere on the land.

The work is part of Network Rail’s “Access for All” scheme, which is hoped to allow more people to use stations.

Under the plans, the existing bridge will be demolished, and a new, covered bridge will be put in its place, with two 16-person lifts.

A spokesman for the company said: “Network Rail nominated Ewell West station for Access for All funding as it met a number of the Department for Transport’s criteria and has increased footfall due to being the last station in the Oyster zone on the line between Raynes Park and Dorking.

“Accessibility at the station will bring benefits for everyone - people with health conditions or impairments, people with children, heavy luggage or shopping and those with mobility problems. It’s also good for the economy and means fewer car journeys, less congestion and carbon emissions.”

Network Rail intends to begin the work in July 2018.