Assurances that disabled access improvements at Ruabon station remain “high on the agenda”

Reassurances that work to improve the disabled access at a local station has been offered by a senior councillor.

Access to the north bound Chester platform at the station is only possible by a footbridge with long flights of stairs on both platforms with all passengers having to negotiate over 50 steps on this footbridge.

It is also the only station on the line that does not meet step-free access needs for passengers.

A campaign to secure funding for step-free access to both platforms was launched in 2018.

However earlier this year Wrexham.com reported that the station had failed to secure disabled access funding from UK Government. Welsh Government funding for improvements was also lost in 2019.

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, has this week given assurances that improving the access remains “high on the agenda” for Wrexham Council.

He said: “I would like to put on record my thanks to our local and national politicians, Cllr Dana Davies, Cllr Joan Lowe, Simon Baynes MP, Ken Skates MS and friends of Ruabon Station group.

“Their commitment and support to ensuring the work needed at this station is being brought to the attention of the Department for Transport in Westminster. Their cross-party support will hopefully result in a successful outcome in the near future to making this crucial station accessible to all.”

“Ruabon Station is the only station on the Chester Shrewsbury Line without step free access.

“The stairs cause major problems for the disabled with passengers wishing to alight here being advised to go to Wrexham and return on the next train south. Access for those with prams and push chairs is also very difficult if not impossible and a struggle for those with luggage or those less mobile.

Last week Clwyd South MP , Simon Baynes raised the issue of funding for step-free access at Ruabon train station in the House of Commons.

Simon Baynes MP said: “Many representatives, organisations and residents in Ruabon have been campaigning for step-free access at Ruabon Station for several years and I am very pleased to add my support to their campaign.

“This project is needed to make sure all passengers can access the jobs and leisure opportunities that will make our community an even greater place to live and work.

“And I’m looking forward to discussing it with Ministers at the Wales Office and the Treasury to see what can be done for Ruabon residents.”

Wales Office Minister, David Davies MP said, in response to Mr Baynes’ question in the Chamber: “I’d be delighted to discuss step-free access at Ruabon station with the Hon. Gentleman, and I hope that I will be able to give him news of much greater infrastructure projects to rail and road that will be on offer to Wales as soon as this crisis is over.”