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Wirral Station Set for Lift Installation as Work Begins

Wirral Station Set for Lift Installation as Work Begins

Improving Accessibility at Wirral Railway Stations

Work has officially started on the installation of a lift at a railway station in Wirral. This initiative is part of a significant £9.5 million investment aimed at making Rock Ferry and Aigburth stations fully accessible for passengers with mobility issues, as well as those using prams, bikes, and wheelchairs.

The project is not limited to these two stations. Plans are also being developed for the installation of lifts at Port Sunlight and Walton, which, once completed, will ensure that three-quarters of the city region’s rail stations are fully accessible. This marks an important step forward in making public transport more inclusive and user-friendly for all.

Over the past few years, several stations have already benefited from similar improvements. Lifts have been installed at Formby, Birkenhead North, Orrell Park, Meols, Birkenhead Park, Hunts Cross, Hillside, and St Michael’s stations. These upgrades have provided step-free access from the pavement to the platform, significantly enhancing the travel experience for individuals with limited mobility.

Once the work at Aigburth, Rock Ferry, Port Sunlight, and Walton is complete, the total number of fully accessible stations in the city region will reach 66 out of 87. This progress reflects the ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone can use the rail network without barriers.

A Vision for a Step-Free Future

The installation of lifts is part of a broader plan led by Mayor Steve Rotheram to make the Liverpool city region’s rail network entirely step-free by 2030. This ambitious goal aims to ensure that all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities, can navigate the stations with ease.

Recent improvements to the rail network have received positive feedback from notable figures. British Paralympic legend and disability rights campaigner Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson praised the new trains, platform enhancements, and lift installations, calling them an example of what can be achieved to make rail travel more accessible for everyone.

Steve Rotheram, the Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, highlighted the importance of this initiative. He stated that for too long, the local rail network was not designed with the needs of its most vulnerable users in mind. As a result, many people were left disconnected from their local stations.

Since his election, Rotheram has invested tens of millions of pounds into improving step-free access across train stations. This effort has positioned the Liverpool City Region as the most accessible rail network in the country. However, he acknowledges that there is still more work to be done.

Continued Progress and Future Goals

The recent introduction of level-boarding on new £500 million trains has already made a significant impact. The next phase of the project focuses on ensuring that all stations are accessible to everyone. This funding will support the continued journey towards achieving that goal.

By investing in infrastructure and prioritizing accessibility, the Liverpool City Region is setting a benchmark for other regions to follow. The focus remains on creating a rail network that is not only efficient but also inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind.

As the work progresses, the community can look forward to a future where rail travel is more convenient and welcoming for all passengers. The commitment to accessibility is not just about physical changes but also about fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for every individual who uses the rail network.