Step-free access coming to more railway stations

7 hours ago

Ros TappendenSouth of England

News image — The platforms at Dorchester South are linked by a step bridge

Google Google Street view image shows the footbridge crossing the railway line at Dorchester South Station. The metal bridge, viewed from the nearby road, has steps up from the platforms. — The platforms at Dorchester South are linked by a step bridge

A station with no step-free access between its platforms is a step closer to getting lifts installed after the government confirmed it would fund detailed design work.

Dorchester South in Dorchester, Dorset, has ramps from the road to each platform but passengers unable to cross the footbridge face a 0.6-mile (1km) detour between the two.

The station is among 23 across the UK to progress to the "detailed design" stage under the government's Access for All programme.

Other stations to receive funding for lift scheme designs include Hedge End and Swanwick in Hampshire.

The Access for All programme, launched in 2006, seeks to address issues faced by disabled passengers and people with luggage or pushchairs at railway stations.

In May 2024, the previous government announced feasibility work on 50 stations.

In a written update to Parliament, rail minster Lord Hendy said eight of those projects were already being delivered but 19 earmarked for improvements would not be progressing at this stage.

Google Google Street View of Hedge End station entrance - a single-storey building with a pitched roof and a glass front. A stepped, timber-clad footbridge can be seen to the left crossing the railway line. — Hedge End station has also been included in the list for design work

Dorchester Town Council said in a statement: "This announcement doesn't guarantee the scheme will be built at this stage - the detailed design work still needs to produce a plan that is affordable and deliverable within a reasonable timescale.

"However, given that this is one of only 31 schemes going forward nationally out of 50 originally shortlisted in 2024, we are nonetheless very encouraged and optimistic."

Campaigners have long called for better access and improved disabled parking at Dorchester.

West Dorset MP Edward Morello described the announcement as "great news", adding: "This is vital progress on getting step-free access between the platforms."

In Swanwick, there is no step-free access to platform two for trains towards Portsmouth, which is accessed via a stepped footbridge.

At nearby Hedge End station, access to platform two is via a 52-step footbridge.