Luton Train Station redevelopment 'vital' for local community
MP for Luton South, Rachel Hopkins, says the station is not 'fit for purpose'
Last updated 29th Nov 2022
The MP for Luton South, Rachel Hopkins, is campaigning for the redevelopment of Luton Train Station, saying it would benefit economic prosperity in the local area.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday night, Ms Hopkins shared messages from here constituents, who voiced their frustrations:
"The station building itself is dull and decrepit"
"There's a lack of lifts to platforms, lots of puddles everywhere and the travellers often get wet"
The Labour MP claims the station is not 'fit for purpose', with accessibility problems throughout the station.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, she said:
"If you are disabled, or have mobility problems, or might be a bit elderly, or are a family with children or buggies, or have baggage - you can't access four out of five platforms at the station.
"That really is unacceptable in this day and age."
"It's in the top 5 or 6 percent of stations that are used nationwide and it is absolutely decrepit, so there is such a strong case for getting redevelopment in."
The Labour MP also fears that first impressions last and the current state of the station will impact people revisiting the town.
"People arriving in the station or using the station to travel through Luton just see that as the first thing they see. That's not the right impression of our town - Luton's a fantastic town.
"I'm a born and bred Lutonian and I just want it to be a much better introduction to our town and one that everyone is able to use."
In the commons last night, the Government confirmed that £383million is available for across England and Wales as part of the 'Access for All' programme.
Luton station is set to receive funding to provide access to all four of the station's currently inaccessible platforms.