Anglesey train station with ‘do-it-yourself’ disabled ramp to get ?1m …

A North Wales train station with a "do it yourself" disabled ramp get a £1million cash injection to improve access. The UK rail minister has announced money to improve access at Ty Croes railway station, after a campaign by Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie.

Rail minister Huw Merriman was on the island on Monday and went to the station with Ms Crosbie to see first-hand the problems with a low platform. Historically it was built low to get cattle on and off trains to go to market. When there was a porter there, it was their responsibility to bring out a ramp to make the trains accessible for people with mobility issues.

However, now there is no porter, people must move the ramp themselves – a manoeuvre that is difficult for people with mobility issues. Often people living next door to the station come out and help.

The matter was raised with Ms Crosbie by local constituents, including councillor Douglas Fowlie, and the MP visited the station earlier this year to meet with them.

At the station, the minister met with local people to look at the problem and hear their concerns. He then announced the Department for Transport would fund a Harrington Hump at the station to resolve the issue. Work is expected to be carried out in Spring next year.

“I am delighted the minister has announced this further investment in our island and I thank him for coming to see the problem, speaking to local people, and listening to my views that something needed to be done," said Ms Crosbie.

“It will be a game changer for accessibility at the station and it shows the UK government not only listens but acts in the best interests of islanders.

“I am looking forward to seeing the Harrington Hump installed and I will visit the station again when it is in place and doing its job.”

UK Rail Minister Huw Merriman (third from left) on a visit to Anglesey on Monday where he announced £1m investment to improve access at Ty Croes Station after a campaign by Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie (second from left). The money will fund a Harrington Hump to raise one of the platforms which is low, meaning passengers must currently drag steps to the side of the train to board. (Image: Virginia Crosbie MP)

In other visits, the minister met with representatives from Menter Môn, Lon Las Môn and Lein Amlwch to discuss how to put the disused Amlwch-Gaerwen line back into use. Later he went to Holyhead ^[2] Railway Station to meet with Avanti drivers at their North Wales HQ and then Avanti management.

He also had a look round Holyhead station to understand local management issues with the station manager Andy Baker and other local representatives.

The minister said: “I was pleased to visit Ty Croes station with Virginia and meet residents who are campaigning for level platform access to their trains. The residents had brought their concerns to Virginia who then brought them to me in Parliament and asked for a solution.

“I was able to tell residents that Virginia had brought this matter to me in a meeting in Parliament and, as a result of Virginia’s request, we will provide a construction solution by spring 2024 which will see a part of the platform brought up to allow for level boarding. Credit to Virginia for making this happen."

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References

^{^} Preparations for major two-year Menai Suspension Bridge overhaul get underway (www.dailypost.co.uk)
^{^} Holyhead (www.dailypost.co.uk)
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