PLANS to spend £6.1 million on improvements to a key railway station are set to be approved.

The scheme to build a 251-space car park at Crewe's historic station was given planning consent by Cheshire East Council three weeks ago.

The money, which was secured from the Government's £100 million rail stations improvement fund, will pay for the demolition of buildings on the former Royal Mail site, off Weston Road, to make way for the car park and shops, cafes or takeaways, a taxi rank, and improved subway access to the station.

The scheme will go before members of the council's cabinet at a meeting on Monday, February 6, where they are expected to give it final approval.

A report to the committee states: "The redevelopment of this site would ensure a critical first phase of the regeneration of the station."