South Suffolk MP’s campaign for lift access at train station rejected
His calls for step-free access at Marks Tey station has been turned down by a rail minister.
James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, has had his request for improved accessibility at Marks Tey train station near Colchester turned down by a Government minister.
In October, Mr Cartlidge wrote to the Department for Transport asking for a lift to be installed between all platforms at the station. He highlighted how the absence of step-free access between the Sudbury branch line and the main line was causing difficulties for constituents with disabilities or heavy luggage.
The plea comes after Greater Anglia, the operator, was brought into the Department for Transport’s control earlier this year.
Lord Peter Hendy, the rail minister, responded to Mr Cartlidge’s push for accessibility improvements, stating there are “no current plans for an accessibility scheme at Marks Tey.”
Lord Hendy emphasised the Government's commitment to ensuring accessibility was central to its approach for passengers but suggested alternative measures to ease pressures, including seeking financial contributions from developers and engaging with stakeholders ahead of future funding rounds.
Mr Cartlidge expressed disappointment at the decision, reiterating the importance of addressing accessibility challenges for travellers in his constituency.
“Ultimately, my constituents travelling from Sudbury use the interchange to access the main line, so the issue of accessibility must be addressed.”
The MP has been campaigning alongside Dame Priti Patel, MP for Witham, for improved accessibility at Marks Tey station for several years.