Rail partnership expresses “disappointment” after Ruabon Station misses out on disabled access funding

A rail partnership has expressed its disappointment of the news that Ruabon Station has failed to secure disabled access funding.

The Access for All Mid-Tier scheme saw Welsh Government nominate a number of stations, supported by match funding to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Local support for Ruabon was evidenced and passenger numbers at this station continue to rise with a 7.3% increase recorded for 2019. The schemes selected by the DfT were lift additions at Neath, Grangetown, Pontypool & New Inn and Llantwit Major.

However the local station was not selected by the UK Government in the final allocations for accessibility improvements, despite investment once being described as ‘confirmed’.

The Welsh Government later announced that it is in the early stages of considering alternative funding arrangements for stations that have not been selected.

Councillor David A Bithell, chairman of the Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership, said: “Whilst we are naturally very disappointed that passengers will not benefit from this scheme we are fully supportive of the news from the Minister for Transport & the Economy, Ken Skates that he has asked Transport for Wales to urgently consider progressing step free access at the stations that were unsuccessful through their own direct investment using the matched funding that was offered to the UK Government.’

“Ruabon is a busy station with two flights of stairs that passengers have to negotiate to access the Chester platform.  It is the only station on our line that fails to meet the passengers needs.

“It is in an area of strong housing and retail growth and is the rail/bus gateway access for Llangollen and the World Heritage site at Pontcysyllte.

“We will continue to offer our help and support to ensure this project is delivered’.