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Monday 30 Sep 2013

EASIER ACCESS FOR PASSENGERS AT CARLISLE

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Passengers will soon benefit from better access at Carlisle station thanks to a £1.8 million investment to provide new lifts and reopen a subway.

Work on the scheme, which will make Carlisle station fully accessible for the first time, is set to begin this Autumn and will be delivered by Network Rail as part of the Access for All programme, funded by the Department for Transport.

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail area director, said: “These vital improvements to Carlisle station will make life easier for everyone to use the train, especially those with heavy luggage, reduced mobility or with small children. The new facilities will help Carlisle station handle the increasing numbers of passengers who are using it every day.”

The work will see two existing goods lift shafts at the station will be refurbished and new lifts installed. Meanwhile the lifts will be clad to match the station environment and to fit in with the station’s listed-building status.

A disused subway beneath the platforms will be refurbished to provide easy access between the two lifts. This will include restoring the existing sandstone and brickwork, creating a new fire escape, new lighting, closed circuit television and a passenger help point.

Paul Nairn, Station Manager at Carlisle, said: “Access via the footbridge to platforms one to three is a significant issue for passengers with mobility issues, children or big bags. The new lifts and subway will provide a much smoother experience for them and we’re really excited that work to install them is going ahead.

“With the tremendous growth in passenger numbers we’ve seen at Carlisle Station, this work to improve access and ensure the journey to the train is hassle-free is vital.”

Work is expected to start in early October for completion by the end of February 2014

Rail Minister Norman Baker MP added: “Improvements like these make a real difference to those using the railways. Opening up access at stations and providing step-free routes gives all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities.”

The plans have been developed in consultation with Carlisle City Council’s Heritage Officer with valuable input from both the Carlisle Disability Action Group and the Friends of Settle and Carlisle Line.

Deputy Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Elsie Martlew, said: “This is really good news for passengers. Travel is difficult for some at the best of times and improvements for mobility and accessibility must be welcomed. In the past I have seen people struggling to manage and these changes will obviously make their journeys a bit easier.

Working with our Heritage Officer has ensured that the material changes are in keeping with the Citadel Station, one of Carlisle's significant buildings.”