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Friday 8 Jul 2011

BETTER STATION ACCESS GIVES STAINES A LIFT

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Thousands of passengers who use Staines station every day now have easier access into and around the station after two new lifts and a footbridge were installed.

The access improvements, which were funded through the government’s Access for All scheme, will provide a step-free route between the station entrance and both platforms for the first time, making it easier for passengers to travel by train, particularly those with reduced mobility, young children or heavy luggage. The project also included improvements to lighting and CCTV.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “Train travel continues to grow in popularity and it is important that everyone is able to access the railways – that is why we have contributed £2m from our Access for All initiative to upgrading Staines station. In total we are committed to spending £370m on upgrading stations across Britain for people with reduced mobility.”

Richard O’Brien, Network Rail’s route managing director for Wessex, said: “Thousands of people in Staines use the railway to travel for work and leisure every day, so it is important we make it as quick and easy as possible to move around the station. The new lifts and footbridge are a big step forward in better meeting the needs of passengers and will help maintain rail as a vital transport link for businesses and the community.”

Malcolm Page, station development manager for South West Trains added: "We welcome the access improvement work that will benefit all our passengers at Staines station and make it easier for all to use the station safely and easily. This is the latest improvement scheme that will complement the new shop, toilet and waiting room."