Petition for improved access at local train station to go to Parliament

Campaigners calling for improved access at local train station turned out in force ahead of a petition being presented to Parliament.

Clwyd South AM and MP Ken Skates and Susan Elan Jones joined volunteers from the Friends of Ruabon at the train station to show their support for the campaign last week.

The Ruabon Station has been described as ‘inaccessible to a number of potential users’ due to a footbridge being the only way of getting between the platforms.

A petition has since been launched, calling on the UK Government to act and improvement the site.

Speaking after her visit, Ms Jones said: “The campaign for better access at Ruabon continues and the excellent turn-out today shows the strength of feeling locally.

“This is an important station connecting people to our wonderful World Heritage Sites and key local destinations such as Wrexham and Chester, so it needs be more accessible.

“At present, it’s almost impossible for disabled people and those with restricted mobility.”

Mr Skates said the lack of disabled access was ‘insufficient in the 21st century for such an important station’.

Last year Mr Skates and Ruabon councillor Dana Davies called on Wrexham Council to reinvest money from the new parking charges – up to £400 a year per person – into improving the station’s facilities, such as better disabled access.

Mr Skates added: “The many, many people who have signed the petition want and need to be better connected – and that means access for all.

“I’m delighted Susan is going to present it at Parliament in the coming weeks and will continue to support the campaign however I can on behalf of my constituents and station users.”

Pupils of Ysgol Rhiwabon also went along to help plant new floral donations from Arriva Trains Wales to help spruce up the station’s appearance – with praise from Mr Skates and Ms jones for the work of the ‘dedicated and tireless’ Friends of Ruabon.