OREANDA-NEWS. Passengers using the Cumbrian Coast line will soon benefit from better access as a project to provide easier access between platforms and trains gets underway at a number of stations this month.

The GBP 5m project will provide easier access on 80 platforms at 62 stations in England and Wales and eight stations in Cumbria will be the first to see the benefit of this investment. The project follows the pioneering work undertaken at Harrington and six other stations which were funded by Cumbria County Council.

The easier access areas are a modular system used to raise the height of platforms which in the past have been too low for some passengers to use.

Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director for Network Rail explained: “Passengers with mobility problems, pushchairs, wheelchairs and even lots of luggage have struggled to use many stations along the line because of the large gap between the platform and the train.

“The solution is simple, and cost effective. Rather than an expensive platform rebuild, sections of platforms are raised to the same height as the train door. Importantly, the structure is also ramped making it ideal for anyone to use.”

Funding was provided by the Department for Transport’s Access For All programme, supported by Cumbria County Council and Northern Rail and will be delivered by Network Rail.

Rail minister Norman Baker said: “Improvements like these make a real difference to those using the railways. Opening up access at stations and providing step-free routes gives all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities”.

“And everyone feels the benefit of taking a train from stations with improved facilities and layout.”

Craig Harrop, client and stakeholder manager for Northern Rail, comments: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Network Rail and other industry partners to make improvements allowing passengers, who have previously been unable to travel by train, to use the rail network.”

The eight stations are Bootle (Cumbria), Braystones, Corkickle, Drigg, Flimby, Kents Bank, Parton and Wigton.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for transport, said: “Cumbria has led the way in providing innovative solutions to the challenges of passenger access. Our Harrington Hump scheme has won national awards, with the term now ensuring Harrington will have its place in railway history for ever more. This new investment in our railway infrastructure along the Cumbrian Coast and Furness Lines highlights the council’s commitment to improving transport links and I hope it encourages more people to use this section of the rail network.”