An important gateway to Weymouth is set to be transformed after campaigners secured almost half a million pounds worth of funding to make improvements.

Weymouth railway station and car park will see some 'significant improvements' that will turn it into a 'welcoming place' after £450,000 was secured from the South Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (SWR CCIF).

The station entrance off King Street has long been a problem hotspot with people congregating in the area to drink and take drugs.

There have been calls to improve the look of the area and also to make it easier for pedestrians heading towards the seafront and town centre.

A multi-million pound bid to transform the area was rejected last year.

Dorset Coast Forum, in partnership with other bodies, has been working to try and secure funds from other sources for the 'Weymouth Gateway' project, which aims to improve the 'visitor experience' as well as links towards the town centre and beach.

The works aim to benefit local businesses, as well as encourage new businesses to the area and increase tourism.

The project will take place over two years and first stage will be engaging with businesses and the community to understand how the train station forecourt and surrounding area is used and how public realm improvements can help turn the Weymouth train station forecourt into a safer, more attractive place to be when commuting, visiting and using the surrounding restaurants and businesses.

Dorset Coast Forum (DCF) Coordinator, Rhiannon Jones, said: “We’re delighted to have been successful in securing this £450k grant for Weymouth.

"Looking ahead we are keen to get the project started, with stakeholder and community engagement being key in understanding the different ways the area could be improved and how we can make real change. We will have online community consultations to reach as many people as possible but we will also be looking at alternative ways to engage with those who don’t have access to these resources.”

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, added: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in securing this funding.

"The train station and immediate area are key to making sure everyone experiences a warm welcome when they arrive in Weymouth, and know where to go and how to get there when visiting.

"This project is another example of how we’re involved in making improvements to the town and I’m looking forward to speaking with local communities as we draft options for what we could do with the area.”

The forum is working with Dorset Council, Weymouth BID, Public Health Dorset and Weymouth Town Council on the project.