26.11.18
Staffordshire station gets £5m overhaul to improve accessibility
Network Rail has started its £5m overhaul of Kidsgrove station in Staffordshire in order to make it accessible for passengers with disabilities and mobility needs, “removing barriers to travel” across the network.
The upgrade works, which will see the station get a revamp with a new footbridge and the installation of three new lifts, will allow the station to become accessible to those who previously could not travel via certain routes.
The £5m investment comes directly from the Department for Transport and its ‘Access for All’ programme, which was launched in 2006 to improve accessibility at railway stations across the country.
Transport accessibility minister Nusrat Ghani said: “The new footbridge and lifts at Kidsgrove will allow disabled passengers to access the station independently and with confidence.
“It’s vital that we remove barriers to travel faced by disabled people across the network. We know we are making good progress towards this goal, as 75% of passenger journeys are now via stations with step-free access.
“However, there is more to do, which is why we announced up to £300m as part of the Inclusive Transport Strategy to extend the 'Access for All' programme. This will allow more stations like Kidsgrove to develop new accessible features that makes rail accessible to everyone.”
The Kidsgrove station sits on the Derby to Crewe line, and is frequently used by commuters in and around Stoke-on-Trent as well as services to Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston.
The Network Rail scheme project manager, Luke Jones, said: “This upgrade will unlock the railway network for many people in Kidsgrove, allowing them easy access to travel that was previously not possible.
“We are working closely with the station operator, East Midland Trains, to ensure our work brings as little disruption as possible to passengers at the station, which will only be until late spring 2019.”
East Midlands Trains says it is working closely with Network Rail to improve accessibility across the station’s route.