Hexham MP calls for better accessibility for Tyne Valley stations
Joe Morris is calling for stations between Carlisle and Newcastle to be easier to access
Hexham's MP is calling for better accessibility at train stations on the Tyne Valley railway line.
Joe Morris says some stations on the route - which runs between Newcastle and Carlisle - can be a struggle for wheelchair users, and people with reduced mobility.
He said that in Hexham, travellers face an 800 metre walk along narrow pavements to access the second platform, while in Corbridge there is no disabled access at all to the westbound platform.
Hexham station does have a so-called barrow crossing, but this can only be used when staff are in place to supervise. Speaking in parliament, Mr Morris called on ministers to improve the current system.
He said: “Accessible transport is a major challenge for my constituents, especially accessing rail stations on the Tyne valley railway line. Will the Minister work with the Department for Transport to ensure that Great British Railways puts disabled access at the heart of its plans?”
Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions responded: “Accessibility is at the heart of the governments passenger focused approach and with a unified rail network we’ll be able to meet accessibility needs more reliably and consistently and plan how best to improve accessibility across the entire network.”
In a later statement, Mr Morris added: “It is clear from the constituents and charities that I have spoken to that accessible transport is a major challenge in our area – especially in some rail stations on the Tyne Valley Line. With current Government plans underway to renationalise and upgrade the rail network it is important that accessibility is at the heart of this process.
“I have received a high volume of correspondence from constituents on this issue and will make sure this is a priority going forward. Last week I met with Adapt Tynedale, a local community group who started out by providing accessible transport to improve the quality of life of disabled people in Tynedale.
“I hope to meet and work constructively with the ongoing campaigns to determine how we can ensure that our local transport provisions are accessible for all.”
Rail operator Northern has pointed out that there is step-free access at Haltwhistle, Bardon Mill, Haydon Bridge, Riding Mill, Stocksfield and Prudhoe stations and step-free access at level crossings in Prudhoe, Haydon Bridge and Bardon Mill. Additionally, step free access is available at Stocksfield, Haltwhistle and Riding Mill via “walking routes”.
However, some locals have been clear about the need for improvements. Local Dad Lawrence O’Donnellsaid: “Accessibility along the Tyne valley line needs improving.
“I’m all too aware of how difficult it is for wheelchair users like my father-in-law to use our rail line – he has to allow extra time to get to Wylam station so that he gets to the right side of the tracks before the barrier comes down. Step free access has to be a priority for Northern. As a parent of a young child I know this would be warmly welcomed by pram users too.”
Responding to the calls, a spokesman for Northern said: “Our services call at more than 500 stations across the North of England and we are working hard, both here at Northern and with external industry partners, to improve accessibility at as many of those as possible to give more people the confidence to travel.”
Portable ramps are available at Northern’s staffed stations as well as on board trains to aid in boarding for less-able passengers. Conductors are aboard every service to provide assistance.
Network Rail, the company that oversees the country’s rail network, pointed out that the Tyne Valley Line is almost 200 years old.A spokeswoman said: “We acknowledge that there is more to do to make the railway as accessible as possible for passengers and we are working hard to get there. We have the oldest railway in the world, with the Tyne Valley Line opening in 1834.
“Since Network Rail is only funded to renew, operate, and maintain the existing rail infrastructure, partnership is crucial. That is why we are committed to working with local transport authorities and the wider rail community to help find solutions and improve accessibility on the network.”