COMMUTERS at a busy train station are set to benefit from new parking spaces.

Greater Anglia has announced it is creating 220 new spaces at Manningtree Train Station by pumping £1.5 million into the scheme.

The station currently has 561 parking spaces.

Mark Kraft, business manager for National Car Park (NCP), which runs the station, said: “Plans have been approved to extend the Manningtree train station car park by 220 additional spaces by September 2019.

“This will be done in two stages - the extension of the surface area and the extension of the deck.

“The extension of the surface area should be completed by summer 2019 with the extension of the deck shortly after. Work will start in February 2019.”

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “Work is due to start next spring to create 220 new parking spaces, including 20 spaces for blue badge holders.

“This is part of our plans to invest £60 million in stations across East Anglia and increase parking.”

Commuters have previously spoken out over the lack of parking at the station, with many travelling from nearby towns and villages to catch direct services at Manningtree.

It has left some parking on residential streets or in undesignated spots at the station as all the spaces have been taken by the time they have arrived.

It is hoped the latest boost in spaces will be a reprieve for commuters.