Helen calls for debate on step-free station access

MP Helen Morgan has urged the government to “step-up on step-free access” as the wait for improvements at Whitchurch Railway Station continues.

The southbound station at Whitchurch can currently only be accessed by a bridge involving 44 steps, forcing passengers with mobility issues to find alternative ways of travelling towards Shrewsbury.

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has long been pressing for step-free access at the station and designs were finally drawn up for a lift to be installed under the Access for All Scheme.

However, the Labour government put a hold on the plans when it came to power last year and is still yet to commit to implementing step-free access in Whitchurch.

Helen Morgan has already met Transport Ministers to make the case for changes in Whitchurch and this week spoke in the House of Commons to challenge the Government over reports that the criteria for step-free access is being restricted.

It has been suggested that stations with fewer than 1,000 passengers a day will not be granted improvements.

This is despite the already-very limited public transport options available in rural areas like North Shropshire.

Helen Morgan questioned Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons, during questions in Parliament this week.

Speaking afterwards, Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said, “It’s time for the Government to step-up on step-free access and get on with making sure everybody can access their local railway station.

“The hard work has been done and designs are already in place in Whitchurch. Yet the Government is holding up the project.

“I will keep campaigning on this until Ministers see sense and make the changes the community needs.”