Disabled 'not considered' in bridge design says paralympian

Paralympian Sophie Christiansen received her OBE in 2013

A disability campaigner and eight time Paralympic champion said disabled people were "clearly not considered" when building a new footbridge.

Sophie Christiansen, from Berkshire, said the fact the new footbridge over the rail line in Wokingham has no disability-friendly features is "not surprising".

Wokingham Borough Council gave permission for the plans in 2023 on the condition that Network Rail would improve the design for disabled, pram and bicycle users.

The Tan House footbridge, which is set to open on Friday, straddles two railway lines between the Ormonde Road allotments and the Carnival car park in Wokingham.

Ms Christiansen represented Great Britain at dressage in five Paralympic Games winning eight gold medals, as well as five world titles. She was awarded a CBE in 2017 for services to para-equestrianism.

She said getting stuck when something is not accessible for disabled people is a "daily occurrence" for her.

She said: "I can't get into my local shop, because it has a step and they won't build a ramp.

"It's frustrating because people don't see this as discrimination, because disability access costs more but the fact is it will work for everyone."

Sophie Christiansen said not considering disabled people is "frustrating"

She said she isn't "surprised, infrastructure like this [footbridge] is built all the time without disabled people in mind.

"It just proves that the equality act is not fit for purpose because it does nothing to make organisations keep disabled people in mind but also prams and bikes.

"It's not surprising, but it is still shocking that in this day and age we are not considered."

"There would be uproar if any other minority weren't able to use this footbridge so I think we need people to start thinking more about disabilities," she added.

Network Rail has said that the design of the bridge means it is possible for upgrades, such as ramps or lifts, to be installed in the future.

The council has said that while accessible features can be built in the future, this can only be achieved through external third-party funding.

Those who cannot use the footbridge without a ramp will have to take a 13-minute diversion through Ormonde Road, Barkham Road and Wellington Road.

As well as securing additional funding Network Rail said upgrades would require using land owned by the council which would have delayed the project even more.

Councillor Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways said: “We lobbied Network Rail at senior level about making this replacement bridge accessible for all our residents.

“We are disappointed that Network Rail did not comply with what we see as their responsibility to meet the requirements in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which says that a project like this needs to be accessible to all people.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are naturally keen to ensure the railway is accessible for all and remain committed to continuing to work with Wokingham Borough Council to identify third party funding options for accessibility upgrades.”