Accessibility upgrades at Welsh railway station making excellent progress

Mums of twins were delighted by the accessibility upgrades being made at Barry Station after being invited to see how the project is moving forward.

Also invited for a progress visit were local MP, Alun Cairns, and MS, Jane Hutt who enjoyed a tour of the new lifts and footbridge that will bring improvements in passenger journeys

Network Rail is carrying out a huge upgrade at Barry Station, which will make it accessible between platforms for all passengers for the very first time.

An investment of £3.3m has been provided by the Department for Transport and the Welsh Government via the  ‘Access for All' programme and includes the installation of lifts between platforms 1, 2 and 3 alongside a brand new footbridge.

The accessibility upgrade will provide easier train journeys for everyone, from wheelchair users to those with limited mobility, people travelling with shopping or luggage and parents with small children or using pushchairs.

Network Rail engineers and contractors are adding the final touches to the cladding on the exterior of the lift shafts and the roof over the stairs and bridge. Further work is also underway to install the lifts alongside new waiting shelters and lighting.

The brand new facilities are set to open to the public by the end of summer.

Michelle Boland recently became a mum of twins and a new member of the ‘Cardiff Twins and Multiples Club' and also works at Network Rail said:

“I am very passionate about the railway and I am thrilled to have these improvements taking place on my doorstep, in Barry,” said Michelle.

“As a mum of three, and a recent mum of twins, trying to get the pushchair up and down the steps on my own is so difficult so these new facilities really will be life-changing for me and other parents.”

Lauren Hearne, Chair of the Cardiff Twins and Multiples Club said:

“As a mum of twins I've not yet been able to use the train station in my local town but I'm so excited to soon be able to explore more places like Barry Island, all on my own.

“Having lifts between platforms is going to be a game-changer for so many parents and those with limited mobility, giving everyone the freedom to travel more.”

Alun Cairns MP, for the Vale of Glamorgan, said:

“I am very pleased to see the progress being made here at Barry Station. This is a significant spend by the Department for Transport, under the Access for All scheme, which is committed to making the railway accessible for everyone.

“The step-free link between platforms is going to make a big difference, giving so many more people the independence to travel by train.”

Jane Hutt MS, Vale of Glamorgan said:

“I am so pleased Network Rail invited me to see these fantastic accessibility upgrades taking shape at Barry Station, and even more pleased they will soon be open for the public to benefit from.

“This is something people have been campaigning for, for years, and the new facilities are going to make such a difference to everyone who uses this station.

Faye Harding is from New Horizons Day Service in the Vale of Glamorgan which supports adults with physical disabilities between the ages of 18 & 65, said:

“Currently, those with limited mobility and wheelchair users really struggle to get up and down the steps and perhaps choose not to use the train at all.

“What Network Rail is doing here – the new bridge and lifts – is going to make a huge difference to their lives by giving them back their independence and allowing them to plan their day and go wherever they want to go.”