Community Rail Lancashire (CRL), along with the East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership (ELCRP), outlines their full support for the proposed access improvement scheme for Accrington railway station that has been developed as part of Lancashire County Council’s Levelling Up Fund bid.
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- Accrington Railway Station
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- Lift Access and steps at Buckshaw Parkway Station, an example of the sort of facility that could be provided at Accrington if the bid is successful.
Accrington Train Station has seen significant growth in recent years following the opening in 2010 of the new booking office facility and the introduction of the direct rail service to Manchester in 2015. However, access at the station needs improvement to make it more accessible for all members of the community, especially those with mobility impairments. These access improvements for Accrington Station have been included within the Round 2 bid submitted by Lancashire County Council.
Richard Watts, Chair of Community Rail Lancashire & Secretary to the four Lancashire Community Rail Projects, said:
“We fully support the levelling up bid submitted by Lancashire County Council. The proposed improved access at Accrington Train Station, will make a huge difference to the community, for those with disabilities as well as passengers with luggage, pushchairs and cycles.
“Broadfield Specialist School, which is located close to Accrington station, would make greater use of the station for its students who are wheelchair users if the station had better access between the platforms.”
“We look forward to hearing the outcome of the Levelling Up Fund bid and the proposed implementation of step free access at Accrington Railway station. This is a scheme that will significantly benefit thousands of the station’s users each year.”
County Councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, at Lancashire County Council said:
“A huge amount of work has been undertaken to identify the areas that would benefit the most from the Levelling Up Fund, and in determining the most effective way to use this money to meet the needs of our communities.”
“We appreciate the support from Community Rail Lancashire and it is clear that the improved accessibility for Accrington Station is crucial for the local community and users of the station.”
“The bid has now been submitted and we look forward to hearing the outcome. If successful, more detailed proposals will be developed with input from partners and with close engagement with residents, organisations and businesses.”
More information
+ Further details about Lancashire County Council’s Levelling Up Bid can be found on their website: https://council.lancashire.gov.uk/documents/s196717/Report.pdf
+ Further details about Accrington Station can be found on the Community Rail Lancashire Website- https://communityraillancashire.co.uk/stations/accrington/
+ The £4.8bn Government Levelling Up Fund aims to support town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, plus cultural and heritage assets. The deadline for bids to be submitted is Wednesday 6th July 2022.
+ Further information can be found on the Government website: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/966138/Levelling_Up_prospectus.pdf