“Alternative funding arrangements” being considered as Ruabon station misses out on UK Government cash

Local politicians have expressed their disappointment after Ruabon Train Station missed out on UK Government funding.

The station, along with Haverfordwest and Whitchurch (Shropshire), had been endorsed by the Welsh Government – but failed to be selected by the UK Government in the final allocations for accessibility improvements, despite investment once being described as ‘confirmed’.

Additional regional accessibility improvements at a further 30 stations were endorsed by the Welsh Government but declined by the UK Government.

Ruabon councillor Dana Davies has been involved in the campaign for improved disabled access at Ruabon Station and has worked alongside the Friends of Ruabon and former MP Susan Elan Jones to fight for step-free access at both platforms.

“In 2017 our MP Susan Elan Jones presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of the Friends of Ruabon urging action from the UK Government,” said Cllr Davies.

“Westminster is responsible for station infrastructure whether they like it or not, and we are fed-up of being short-changed.

“The hard work of campaigners appeared to have paid off in 2018 when the Welsh Government announced funding to carry out long-awaited work on step-free access at Ruabon. But the UK Government opted against investing in Ruabon.

“The Welsh Government then shortlisted Ruabon again – but the DfT announcement saw the project dumped by Westminster for the second time.

“The UK Government needs to step up and stop giving our area a second-class service.Improving infrastructure and access at Welsh railway stations comes under the remit of the Tory Government at Westminster, but they have failed us time and time again.

“The fantastic Friends of Ruabon and the people of our area have called for better disabled access at the station for years, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears.”

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

Ken Skates, Economy, Transport and North Wales Minister, commented: “It is disappointing that the UK Government has decided to invest in just 4 of the 7 projects we had promoted and offered to match fund.

“I have therefore asked Transport for Wales and rail industry partners to urgently consider the scope for using the matched funding commitment we offered to progress step free access at the excluded stations, under our own direct investment. This is because of the U.K. Government’s failure to deliver the investment they are responsible for.

“Stations with strong community support for step free upgrades have been excluded from funding. Unfortunately it is another example where passengers are set feel the effect of the UK Government’s continuing underinvestment in Welsh railways.”

“Meanwhile, I am pleased that work will go ahead at the four successful stations.”