A Transpennine Express managed station is soon to benefit from major improvements to its accessibility.
Selby station has preparations in place to install new lifts to offer step free access to platforms as well as strengthening the Grade II listed footbridge.
These improvements to the station are aimed to be completed by June 2023.
The introduction of step free access to the station is majorly welcomed by passengers with varied mobility. The lifts will allow easier journeys for all travelling from the station out to Leeds, Doncaster and more.
At present, those requiring assistance can only access platforms 2 and 3 via a barrow crossing over the tracks when staff are available.
The access improvements are part of the Governments Access for All initiative and work launched last week with a compound was constructed at the site.
In the next few weeks, the main part of the work is planned to begin and will bring a more modern station to the town.
The Access for All scheme is part of the first improvements at Selby, with the Transforming Cities Fund delivering a package of improvements towards the end of the year.
Richard Owens, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail's North and East Route, said: “It is great to see that these key accessibility improvements at Selby station are in the pipeline. The benefits will be felt by all passengers, but particularly by those with additional access needs who require access to platforms 2 and 3 when station staff are unavailable.
“Step-free access is vital for the future of our railway, and I hope it encourages more people to travel by train. I know that heritage is central to Selby station, so I'm pleased that we'll be strengthening the Grade II listed footbridge as part of the project.”
Nigel Adams MP visited the station today (Friday 2 September) to discuss the planned work.
Nigel Adams, Member of Parliament for Selby and Ainsty, said: “I am delighted that the essential preparatory work to provide lifts at Selby Station has been completed and building work will commence shortly. The new facilities will bring to an end the difficulties faced by passengers with heavy luggage, small children and pushchairs or a disability having to make special arrangements to cross the line to leave or join trains travelling towards Leeds.
“Having supported the application for funding to upgrade Selby station from the outset, I am delighted that construction will now begin. The upgrade will be done sensitively and will incorporate the iconic footbridge. Selby station is one of the 73 stations that received funding in 2019 as part of the Access for All Programme.”
Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express said: “We are thrilled that work to install brand new lifts as well as strengthening the existing footbridge at Selby station will soon begin.
“These changes will make a real difference to those using the railway, ensuring the station is inclusive for all our customers.
“I want to thank those using the station for their patience and understanding while this important work is carried out.”
Cllr David Buckle, Selby District Council's Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development, said: “Public transport is vital to our communities and improving access for everyone is a welcome development.
“This work comes ahead of the planned Selby Gateway scheme, which will see further improvements for rail and bus passengers, in addition to anyone using public spaces in that area.”
Terry French, Secretary for Selby and District Rail Users Group, said: “The Group is delighted with the news that its long-standing campaign to have lifts installed at Selby Station will soon come to fruition.
“This is a major boost for the town – step-free access will only encourage people to use the train and be much easier and safer for everyone who needs to use the lifts.”
