Call for ramps at railway footbridge

Town councillors in Stone will be writing to Network Rail to see if ramps can be installed at the railway footbridge at Whitebridge Lane.

The move comes amid concerns that disabled people and parents with pushchairs can’t access the stepped footbridge.

Network Rail’s original plans for the footbridge did include ramped access, but these were rejected by Stafford Borough Council after residents complained about the size of the structure and its impact on the Grade II listed crossing house right next to the railway. Scaled-down plans, with no ramped access, were approved and the footbridge opened in May this year.

The issue was brought to Stone Town Council’s services sub-committee on 17th July by Cllr Jill Hood and Cllr Joyce Farnham after a letter was received from Whitebridge Manor estate resident Brian Clews. Mr Clews complained about access for disabled people, and the fact that the footbridge has no lighting.

Jill Hood said: ““We could speak to Network Rail to help but I think it is closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. We have to hold our hands up and say that we failed in our duty with this bridge. Why didn’t we spot the lack of suitability for the elderly and the disabled?”

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Town council leader Cllr Philip Jones said: “The original design of the bridge was brought before this council on several occasions and there was vociferous opposition from local people.”

The committee heard that the county council’s rights of way officer did not object to the revised plans for a stepped bridge, but that concerns were raised about access.

Network Rail had carried out a series of consultation events in the town before submitting its unsuccessful planning application for a ramped bridge.

People who can’t access the pedestrian bridge but who want to access Mount Road and the Common Plot, or the canal in the opposite direction, have to walk through the Whitebridge Manor estate and on to Mount Road.