Commuters in Ash Vale may soon receive long-awaited news on plans to make the station fully accessible. During a debate on economic growth and the transport system in Parliament today, local MP Sir Jeremy Hunt (Godalming and Ash) pressed the Transport Secretary for an update on the proposal to install step-free access at Ash Vale station.
Sir Jeremy highlighted the challenges faced by residents, noting that passengers currently have to climb the equivalent of two storeys of stairs to reach the main line to London. This makes the station “virtually impossible” for wheelchair users, older people, and parents with prams.
Sir Jeremy Hunt said:
“There is an excellent proposal under Access for All on the Secretary of State’s desk. When will my constituents find out whether there will be a happy new year for them?”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander (Swindon South) confirmed that Ash Vale is among the schemes being considered under the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme.
Heidi Alexander added:
“Decisions about that scheme are literally on my desk at the moment. He does not have too long to wait until we make an announcement about which schemes we will be taking forward, both for further design work and to construction.”
This means a decision could be announced very soon, potentially bringing relief to residents who have campaigned for years to improve accessibility at the station.
Watch and list to the question and responce: