The wait is finally over as a new footbridge and lifts at a railway station have finally been opened to the public.

Hertsmere Mayor councillor Carey Keates and Town Mayor cllr Strack jointly opened the recently completed lifts and footbridge with Thameslink Chief Operating Officer Dyan Crowther at Elstree and Borehamwood station on Friday.

The £3.7 million project, funded by the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme, has delivered three new lifts connecting all platforms via a new footbridge.

The Network Rail constructed project at the station, which is used by 3.2 million people a year, was opened to the public earlier in October – months after the lifts had been due to be completed.

Opening the lifts, Mayor Cllr Carey Keates said: “I am delighted to have been invited to cut the ribbon for the opening of the new footbridge, especially the lifts.

“They will make such a big difference to those in our community who are elderly or infirm, struggling with heavy luggage or travelling with prams or children.”

The completion of the footbridge and lifts are part of Thameslink and Great Northern’s plans for ongoing and future investment to build a bigger, better railway.

Future plans include investment in station facilities and improved services for the community.

Thameslink Chief Operating Officer, Dyan Crowther said: “I am very pleased to be part of the opening of the new lifts and footbridge at Elstree & Borehamwood station. I know many in the local community have waited a long time for this investment and I would like to thank them for their patience.

“We know that Thameslink’s services play a vital role in this community and we are excited to implement our future plans for Elstree & Borehamwood. We want everyone to be able to share and benefit from the investment in station facilities and improved services, not just those who can negotiate stairs.”