Sir Gavin asked the Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, to schedule a debate addressing the lack of adequate accessibility in train stations across the country.
He called on the Minister to consider introducing a similar scheme to the Access for All Programme, which transformed hundreds of stations across the UK and changed the lives of many disabled people.
Sir Gavin particularly referenced Stone train station in his constituency, where he has been campaigning alongside residents to improve step-free access to the station, as it is currently limited. The closest step-free stations for local residents are Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.
Sir Gavin said:
‘This is an issue that I’ve been campaigning on for some time, as I know that there are still many train stations up and down the country that are not accessible for disabled people. I’ve been pushing for alterations to be made to Stone Station in my own constituency to improve accessibility for residents.
I hope that the Minister will consider my suggestions to introduce a new scheme to roll out these improvements, as they will make such a difference to people’s lives.’
Related Posts:
2 comments
Charles Calthrop
The access to platform 1 for parents with a pram and wheelchair users is disgraceful. A ramp or lift is needed. Its the year 2025 and to not have this is diabolical.
Bob Jones
Access to and from the far side platform at Stone Railway Station has long been criticised as being totally unsuitable for passengers with limited mobility. It is surely about time that this issue is addressed. Train travel to and from Stone, beyond Stoke and Stafford, due to no direct trains to Birmingham and Manchester, already requires changing trains and platforms at Stoke and Stafford. Stone station both in terms of access and convenience falls short in so many ways. Train travel is expensive, often unreliable and far from customer focused particulary for less physically able passengers.
It’s about time that Stone had a station and rail service that recognises the importance of the town and it’s residents.