Train access problems leave some 'disenfranchised'

Pete Grainger said it was impossible for him to access the eastbound platform in his wheelchair

A lack of accessibility at a railway station in Cornwall which stops a disabled man catching some trains makes him "disenfranchised", he says.

The only way to get to the eastbound platform at Bodmin Parkway is via a footbridge - which causes difficulty for anyone in a wheelchair or with serious mobility issues.

Pete Grainger has joined calls from passengers affected for a lift to be installed to avoid them having to travel to alternative stations further away to catch the train.

Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) insisted accessibility was a priority and staff were working on designs to improve the situation.

This footbridge is currently the only way to cross the tracks at Bodmin Parkway

Bodmin Parkway, in St Winnow, near Bodmin, is the nearest station for thousands of people in north Cornwall.

It is also used by tourists to Lanhydrock House and the Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway.

Mr Grainger, from Nanstallon, is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair - he said it was impossible for him to access both platforms currently.

"If I want to go to Exeter, Bristol, or London, I would have to get a taxi from here to Liskeard, where I can access the track.

"That might not seem a huge problem, but what if I'm travelling with a whole bunch of friends? Do they all have to go to with me?

"It needs much more organising. I feel a bit disenfranchised."

Mel Wallis, from Wadebridge, is a regular user of the station and backed a petition calling for a lift to be installed.

He said: "It's not just elderly or disabled people struggling, it's young people with a pram or pushchair that can't get across. I've seen some people missing a train."

The government confirmed funding for a feasibility study into improving access at the station as part of the national Access For All programme.

Ben Maguire, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, welcomed that but said improvements were urgent.

He said: "I want to see spades in the ground as quickly as feasible - in the next 12 months, if possible.

"It's totally wrong that disabled people can't access our train network."

MP Ben Maguire said disabled people should not be excluded from the area's train network

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We're pleased that the government has allocated funding for a feasibility study at Bodmin Parkway, which will look into ways in which the station can be made more accessible.

"Accessibility is a key priority and we want the railway to be welcoming for everyone."

GWR regional growth manager David Whiteway said: "We are delighted that Bodmin Parkway will get feasibility funding under the Department for Transport's Access For All scheme and look forward to working with Network Rail to develop designs to make the station fully accessible, before presenting a final business case to government.

"Accessibility is a key issue for GWR and the railway as a whole and we are committed to working with our industry partners to look at ways of achieving this at all of our stations.

"Ensuring our services are available to as many people as possible and breaking down barriers to enable rail travel for all is a major focus for GWR."