AN MP has launched a campaign to improve facilities for disabled passengers at a recently-refurbished railway station.
John Baron, Tory MP for Basildon and Billericay, is calling for a lift to be installed on the Southend-bound platform at Billericay station, to enable wheelchair users to easily access the platform.
The revamped £1.4million station opened in February this year, but funding was only provided for a lift on to the London-bound platform.
At the moment, wheelchair users have to access the Southend-bound platform through a side-gate leading from the station’s car park, which is a much longer route. The sidegate also does not have a dedicated path leading to it.
Mr Baron, has written to Theresa Villers, Transport Minister, to ask for cash to fund the installation of a lift.
The letter has been co-signed by Basildon Council leader Tony Ball and Billericay town councillor John Buchanan. Mr Baron said: “While welcoming the improvements to the station, the funding did not stretch to the one remaining drawback to the station – that being the lack of a lift on the Southend-bound platform.
“Mobility-impaired passengers are at a real disadvantage as a result. This needs to be put right. All local politicians from across the political divide support the need for a lift.”
As part of the revamp, the station in Radford Way had a new glass-fronted ticket hall constructed. Work has also been carried out to install new ticket barriers, ticket machines, a new staircase, information screens and waiting shelters.
A spokesman for Greater Anglia, which runs the station, welcomed the campaign.
He said: “We welcome the support of John Baron and our local authority partners for the installation of a passenger lift at Billericay station as part of a future access for all scheme, to help provide improved access to the Southend-bound platform.
“We are keen to see this happen and will continue to work with John and partners with a view to securing a positive outcome.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel