A new ramp has been officially unveiled at Accrington station by Northern to give passengers using the Burnley-bound platform step-free access.
The new ramp to platform one at Accrington station
Wayfinding signs and lighting have been updated at the station, creating a better experience for customers.
Improvements have also been made to the car park including resurfacing work and the addition of two new disabled spaces.
The work was funded by the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme and supported by Community Rail Lancashire and Lancashire County Council.
The funding is used to create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platform. This includes providing lifts or ramps, as well as associated works and refurbishment along the route.
Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern said: “This improvement work is part of our wider project to transform our network and encourage people to use public transport – no matter their circumstances
In the last two years Northern has also introduced a new mobility scooter scheme allowing users to travel to and from more than 100 stations across the Northern network as well as a priority seating card to make using the train easier for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.
The free card is specially designed to give people with a range of conditions that make it difficult to stand the confidence to ask other passengers to give up a priority seat, and the opportunity for others to offer theirs.
Chris added: “We want to make our stations, trains – and our wider network – as accessible as possible, and these schemes are the next step in the journey to deliver a Northern that works for everyone and makes a positive difference.”
Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn, who officially opened the ramp, said: “I am really glad to see that the work has been completed and I want to thank all involved. Working closely, we are looking at how we improve our transport in Hyndburn and how we make our stations accessible for all. We are looking to get funding for future projects as part of our levelling up plan, working with the Government and stakeholders.’
Sara Britcliffe MP cuts a ceremonial ribbon at the opening of a new ramp at Accrington station
Richard Watts, chair of Community Rail Lancashire, said: “It is fantastic that we are celebrating the completion of the new ramp to platform one. This is a very welcome addition to the facilities at the station and CRL is proud of the role it has played in the development of this project.”
Lancashire County Councillor Charlie Edwards, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: said: “We want to make using public transport as easy as possible, and these upgrades will make it safer, especially in wet weather, for people to get onto the platform in Accrington.”
Sara Britcliffe MP at the opening of the new accessible ramp at Accrington