At last week’s Transport Questions in Parliament, I raised the on-going accessibility issues at some of our local train stations with the Trains Minister.
I have long campaigned for the footbridge at Rugeley Trent Valley to be replaced with step free access. Currently any passengers who are disabled or have mobility issues cannot access two of the platforms at the station – meaning they cannot board or disembark trains travelling along the Chase Line or northbound on the West Coast Mainline.
This issue unfortunately is not confined to Rugeley Trent Valley. Rugeley Town, while having level access to both platforms, there no cross-platform step free connection. This means less mobile passengers are having to take an extended trip via taxi or long journey on public footpaths to reach the other side of the station and their car in the car park.
Clearly these issues are not acceptable and I want to see step free alternatives put into place at these stations.
The Trains Minister has agreed to meet with me to discuss this matter, and at this meeting I will be looking for the Government to commit to providing these much needed station upgrades as part of future improvement programmes.
As an MP, I have for many years lobbied government on various train related matters. I can assure you I will continue to do so.
So, ahead of my forthcoming meeting with the Minister I would be keen to hear about any other train related issues which you would like me to bring to his attention. So please do get in touch and share your stories. Either call my office on 01543 877142, via e-mail at [email protected] or in writing to 11a Market Street, Hednesford, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS12 1AY.
As ever if you have any other issues you need my assistance with, please do get in touch.
