Greg has expressed his disappointed that a feasibility study has ruled out a new passenger ramp at High Brooms station, but welcomed a decision by Network Rail to plan instead for a lift and footbridge
After successfully pushing for the station to be included in the last round of Access for All Funding, £785,000 was earmarked for High Brooms for the feasibility of the ramp option to be developed.
However, following extensive work by National Rail engineers, it has been concluded that any ramp could be constructed from the Clifton Road entrance to platform 2 would be too steep to meet safety requirements and access for disabled people.
Greg asked for a commitment from Network Rail to explore new options, and the Department for Transport has given the go-ahead for the current funding to be used to develop them.
Work will begin immediately on designing a footbridge and lifts between platforms. This will then be a priority for the next round of funding in 2023.
He said: “It would have been wonderful to have a ramp from Clifton Road onto platform two and it is frustrating that the height difference is too great for a ramp to work.
“But I won’t give up until we have step-free access to both platforms and so I am pleased that Network Rail and the Department for Transport have agreed with my request to transfer the funding to design a lift and footbridge solution.
“It may take longer, but it will be a better outcome when it is installed. I will continue to work for this to be delivered as soon as possible.”