Shoe-destroying chemicals and car park chaos are among the biggest bugbears of High Wycombe commuters, after rail bosses invited questions from passengers.

Chiltern Railways’ ‘Meet the manager Q&A’ sessions last month revealed concern over the anti-freeze chemicals used on the platforms, which people have complained are ruining their leather shoes.

Passengers have also complained that since work began on the £4m upgrade of High Wycombe station last year, the station car park has descended into chaos with overcrowding and cars driving the wrong way.

Responding to complaints over chemicals used on the track, a spokesman said: “We try to minimise the amount of de-icing chemicals we use, but unfortunately at this time of year, some treatments are required to keep the station safe.”

Staff acknowledged problems in the car park had got worse since sections were closed to allow a footbridge to be installed over the tracks from platform 1 and 2 to 3.

Managers said the car park issues would be reviewed once the work is completed.

Work at Chiltern Railways’ third busiest station will see the northbound platform 2 extended and a covered walkway over the tracks.

Other issues for passengers included the long walk from the station entrance to the London-bound platform 3, currently reached by a temporary bridge over the tracks.