Commuter frustration as funding decision for rundown Luton railway station is delayed

Transport bosses have admitted a decision about whether Luton's rundown railway station will get a much-needed facelift will not be made any time soon.

The Department for Transport (DfT) was meant to make an announcement about the project back in December.

Train operator Govia Thameslink has put forward a plan for improvements but cannot go ahead with the work without the agreement of Network Rail and the DfT.

But today the government department would only say that a decision on funding for the scheme would be made "in due course".

It has left commuters and campaigners are frustrated over the lack of progress.

Visitors to the station are greeted by peeling paint, leaking roofs and boarded-up windows, and most platforms cannot be accessed by disabled people.

Larry Heyman, development manager at rail operator Govia Thameslink, said the DfT would need to provide Network Rail with the money needed to install lifts and build a new footbridge at the station.

The company has also applied for a further £2.5m from a separate funding pot which could be used to create new retail spaces.

Click below to watch a report from ITV News Anglia's Russell Hookey