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Monday 13 Jun 2022

Mums of twins “thrilled” with accessibility upgrades at Barry Station after invite to see progress

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

They were joined by local MP, Alun Cairns, and MS, Jane Hutt, for a tour of the new lifts and footbridge that will improve passengers’ journeys 

Network Rail is undertaking a major upgrade of Barry Station, making it accessible between platforms for all passengers, for the first time. 

The £3.3m investment, funded by the Department for Transport and Welsh Government through the ‘Access for All’ programme, includes the installation of lifts between platforms 1, 2 and 3 and a brand new footbridge.  

The changes will make train journeys easier and more enjoyable for everyone, from wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, people travelling with shopping or luggage and parents with small children and pushchairs. 

Network Rail engineers and contractors are currently adding the finishing touches to the cladding on the exterior of the lift shafts and roof above the stairs and bridge, whilst continuing work to install the lifts, new waiting shelters and lighting. 

The new facilities are due to open for public use by the end of the summer. 

With progress continuing, Network Rail invited some local groups and politicians along for a tour of the project. 

Michelle Boland recently became a mum of twins and a new member of the 'Cardiff Twins and Multiples Club'. Michelle, who also works at Network Rail, has a passion for the railway. 

“I am very passionate about the railway and I am thrilled to have these improvements taking place on my doorstep, in Barry,” said Michelle. 

“As a mum of three, and a recent mum of twins, trying to get the pushchair up and down the steps on my own is so difficult so these new facilities really will be lifechanging for me and other parents.” 

Lauren Hearne, Chair of the Cardiff Twins and Multiples Club said: “As a mum of twins I’ve not yet been able to use the train station in my local town but I’m so excited to soon be able to explore more places like Barry Island, all on my own.  

“Having lifts between platforms is going to be a game changer for so many parents and those with limited mobility, giving everyone the freedom to travel more.” 

Alun Cairns MP, for the Vale of Glamorgan said: “I am very pleased to see the progress being made here at Barry Station. This is a significant spend by the Department for Transport, under the Access for All scheme, which is committed to making the railway accessible for everyone.  

“The step-free link between platforms is going to make a big difference, giving so many more people the independence to travel by train.” 

Jane Hutt MS, Vale of Glamorgan said: “I am so pleased Network Rail invited me to see these fantastic accessibility upgrades taking shape at Barry Station, and even more pleased they will soon be open for the public to benefit from.  

“This is something people have been campaigning for, for years, and the new facilities are going to make such a difference to everyone who uses this station. 

Faye Harding is from New Horizons Day Service in the Vale of Glamorgan. The group supports adults with physical disabilities between the ages of 18 & 65. 

“Currently, those with limited mobility and wheelchair users really struggle to get up and down the steps and perhaps choose not to use the train at all. 

“What Network Rail is doing here - the new bridge and lifts - is going to make a huge difference to their lives by giving them back their independence and allowing them to plan their day and go wherever they want to go.”