PLANS for a £2million train station revamp have been given the go-ahead.

Greater Anglia will splash the cash on the project for Billericay train station, off Radford Way.

The works will include improvements to the ticket office, a larger shop and an extension to create an additional shop and new bin storage area.

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “We are very pleased these plans have been approved.

“They include improving the ticket office and retail facilities within the existing ticket hall and adding a new retail unit.

“Work should start in the spring and is due to be completed by the end of the year.

“We are committed to improving stations and facilities for our passengers.

“During our current franchise we are spending £60million on station improvements.”

Residents and commuters are pleased to see the improvements in the station.

Billy Hudson, 44, who lives in Billericay, said: “This’ll be very welcome as the station is so well used and busy.

“It’s good news the rail firm thinks the station is worth spending such a lot of money on.

“I don’t know when it last had a similar amount of work done to it but I think it’s needed0.

“It will be good to have bigger and better shops for commuters.”

Lucy Pritchard, 23, also of Billericay, added: “I think it will make quite a big difference.

“In a time when we all moan about lack of infrastructure and services, it’s a total breath of fresh air to see the train line firm investing.

“It would have been good to have seen more parking at the station, as I think that is an issue faced by all train stations.

“The town is also growing at a rate with more and more housing.

“I do hope there isn’t too much disruption to the station and services while the works are taking place. The train line does get a lot of criticism but this is good news.”