Grays train station is among 73 nationally set to get major disabled access improvements thanks to a £300 million government investment. 

Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani has announced that over the next 5 years journeys will be opened up across Britain as upgrades, including footbridges and lifts, make it easier for disabled people to travel on the UK’s rail network.

The changes, part of an "inclusive transport strategy", will also help passengers with health conditions, and those with children or luggage.

 The funding will also benefit those with health conditions or older people with impairments, along with people travelling with children, heavy luggage or shopping.

Transport Accessibility Minister Nusrat Ghani said: "Transport is vital for connecting people with work, friends and family, but also to enable them to enjoy visiting some of the wonderful cultural, historical and natural sites across the UK.

"We want the 13.9 million disabled people in Britain to be empowered to travel independently, which is why I am delighted to announce this roll out of upgrades across the rail network.

"Over the next 5 years these newly accessible stations will open up routes across the country, helping us move closer to a transport sector that is truly accessible."

Following nominations from the rail industry, stations were selected based on a range of criteria including footfall weighted by disability in the area, value for money, and local factors such as proximity to a hospital. 

The Access for All programme was first launched in 2006 and has delivered more than 200 accessible routes into selected stations so far.