Preparatory work for a long-awaited new train station is set to begin.

Plans to build a new two-platform station in Wixams, a new town near Bedford, were first discussed over 20 years ago.

Bedford Borough Council has now reached an agreement with Network Rail to build the station, valued at £62.2 million.

Initial work will begin in the area from Meadow Road on Tuesday, which Conservative councillor Graeme Coombes said was “really good news”.

“I will be relieved when the station is finished and the trains start arriving on the platform. Then I will think it is actually happening,” Mr Coombes, who represents the region, told BBC Three Counties Radio.

“This is of course really good news. Other work has been underway recently, this is just the final phase.

“Bedford Borough Council signed an agreement with Network Rail at the end of July and that kicked off all the work that will now take place. This is big news.”

A dedicated site on Meadow Road will house temporary workers, provide social facilities for staff, and create parking and storage areas for the work.

The work prepares the ground for future construction projects in the project.

Network Rail and the city council said they would minimise noise and nuisance to local residents by implementing traffic management plans and scheduling deliveries and works outside of morning and evening peak hours.

However, to ensure the safety of workers on the route, some work on the railway line is also carried out at night.

The dates for night work according to the Council are:

• 28 to 30 September

• 26 to 31 October

• 1 to 2 November

• 4 to 11 November

• 7 to 9 December

It is hoped that the station will be completed by 2026, although plans for a new Universal Studios theme park could delay that deadline.

Universal Destinations and Experiences had previously told the BBC that the company planned to open a year-round park after purchasing a 193-hectare site in Kempston Hardwick.

Mr Coombes said the station would need to be redesigned to expand it to four platforms to accommodate visitors travelling to the area for the potential theme park.

Six local authorities recently backed plans for the theme park, which could generate £50 billion for the UK during construction and the first 20 years of operation.

Some residents have raised concerns about infrastructure, increased traffic and noise pollution, but Universal said it would continue discussions with relevant transport authorities and local and national government to ensure all conditions are in place to support the project.

The company had previously stated that it was still deciding whether to proceed with the plans.

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