Passengers are advised to "factor in extra time" for their journeys if they need a step-free way to change platforms while essential work to repair a damaged lift at Stoke-on-Trent station takes place.

Following water damage from Storm Babet last week, the lift for the footbridge between platforms 1 and 2 to cross over the tracks is out of action for passengers.

While the footbridge is out of use, passengers who need to get from one side of the station to the other can use a free taxi shuttle service.

Network Rail engineers have already started work to fix the lift and restore step-free access for passengers as quickly as possible.

Martin Ball, route infrastructure engineer for Network Rail's West Coast South route, said: "We're sorry for the inconvenience the water damage to the lift will cause to passengers at Stoke-on-Trent station. We're working as quickly as we can to get it working again and restore step-free access between the platforms.

"While we carry out these essential repairs, our advice is to please allow extra time for your journeys and where possible, contact your train operator's passenger assistance team before you travel so the shuttle taxi can be arranged for you in advance."

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast station manager at Stoke on-Trent, said: "We're working with Network Rail and industry partners to help customers while work to repair the lifts at Stoke station takes place.

"As always, our teams will be on hand to help customers travelling to and from Stoke during this time but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey."

During the footbridge closure, rail travellers who need step-free access are advised to speak to station staff or to contact their train operator's Passenger Assistance team:

• Avanti West Coast Passenger Assist team - 08000 158 123
• CrossCountry Passenger Assist team - 0800 030 9224
• East Midlands Railway Passenger Assist team - 08000 11 33 23
• London Northwestern Passenger Assist team - 0800 024 8997
• Northern Trains Passenger Assist team - 0800 138 5560

Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk