DISABLED rail passengers in Southend are set to benefit from better access at stations thanks to a £300million Government investment.

Measures such as lifts and adjustable ticket counters will be installed as part of the Government’s inclusive transport strategy.

Of the 73 stations set for improvements across the country, Southend East and Chalkwell stations, in Southend, have been included.

The changes will also benefit passengers with health conditions or impairments and those travelling with children, luggage or shopping.

Nusrat Ghanik, Transport Accessibility Minister, said: “Transport is vital for connecting people with work, friends and family, but also to enable them to enjoy visiting some of the wonderful cultural, historical and natural sites across the UK.

“We want the 13.9 million disabled people in Britain to be empowered to travel independently, which is why I am delighted to announce this roll-out of upgrades across the rail network.

“Over the next five years these newly-accessible stations will open up routes across the country, helping us move closer to a transport sector that is truly accessible.”

Stations were chosen using a criteria which included their use, level of local disability and value for money of the work.

A further 1,500 stations have received smaller upgrades such as accessible toilets, platform humps to reduce stepping distances and improvements to help those with a visual or hearing impairment.

James Duddridge, the MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: “I am happy to welcome this news as Southend East will now have step-free access, helping thousands of disabled people every day in Southend East to use trains more easily to get to work, to access vital services, to travel across the country and to visit family and friends.”

Keith Richards, chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, said: “This programme has already delivered significant improvements in access to rail travel for disabled people over the last 13 years. It’s crucial to continually build on that.

“The news is very welcome and must go hand-in-hand with clear and practical information to ensure that disabled people are aware of what improvements have been made.” and that more travel options are now possible as a result.”