Campaign for better station access takes a step forward

Handforth Station Steps

George Osborne MP has pledged to support an appeal for improved access to platforms at Handforth Station.

The station is currently blighted by 35 steps to each platform, installed when the station was reconfigured upon electrification of the line in 1960 – ironically ramps were in place prior to this. These steps makes access to rail transport difficult for the elderly and disabled as well as those with prams, bikes and heavy luggage.

The Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS), the community group formed to promote the station as an attractive gateway to the village, has been seeking a solution to the issue for a number of years and has previously met with representatives from local authorities and the rail industry. Unfortunately, to date, progress has been slow.

However similar platform access issues at Kidsgrove and Sandbach stations were recently debated in parliament, which prompted Handforth residents to contact Mr Osborne as their local MP.

In response to letters from local residents, and The Friends of Handforth Station, the Chancellor has agreed to contact Network Rail and the Department for Transport regarding the situation. It is hoped that some "Access for All" programme funding could be allotted to Handforth in order to enable the installation of DDA compliant ramps down to the platforms.

Mike Bishop, Chairman of FoHS, said: "In 2010 we had over 1000 signatures on our petition for "Access for All" to the station and know how important this is for the people in Handforth. The station is used on over 230,000 journeys per year but many residents are currently missing out. We are very pleased to receive The Chancellor's support to get ramps installed. We understand that the existing steps at Handforth are life-expired so this may present an opportunity to rectify matters sooner rather than later."

George Osborne said "The Friends of Handforth station do a brilliant job in the upkeep of the station but they are right that access to the station is difficult for the elderly and disabled as well as parents with young families. I am doing everything I can to improve the situation. I am working with the Friends to get better access."

Tags:
Friends of Handforth Station, George Osborne, Handforth, Handforth Station, Mike Bishop
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