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Wednesday 14 Sep 2011

FOOTBRIDGE TO DELIVER RAIL ACCESS FOR ALL AT WREXHAM GENERAL

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

A 12-tonne footbridge to improve accessibility at Wrexham General has been lifted in to place marking a new milestone for the station improvement programme.

The major programme of work for the scheme was carried out last weekend in 12 hours by 18 engineers working round the clock with no disruption to passenger services.

As well as the new footbridge, a new lift will provide step-free access connecting platform 4 to the ticket office and other platforms, making it much easier for people with reduced mobility.

The improvements will also provide passengers with a safe and secure environment, where the station will be well-lit and equipped with CCTV. Platforms at these identified stations will also be refurbished with tactile paving.

Mark Langman, Network Rail’s route managing director for Wales, said: “Wales relies on rail so it’s vital that we provide facilities which make the railway easier to use, safer and more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re lugging heavy bags, have small children in tow or simply find the stairs a bit of a struggle, the improvements being to be made at these stations will make a real difference.

“Railways first came to Britain almost 200 years ago and railway operators today have inherited a legacy of infrastructure much of which did not make provision for disabled people when they were designed. We know modern stations with easy access are important to passengers in Wales and we will continue to work hard to provide for them.”

Ian Bullock, customer services director for Arriva Trains Wales said: “These works are part of a wider programme by the Department for Transport to improve accessibility at a number of stations we operate. We are also working with the Welsh Government to reduce stepping distances at more than 30 stations as part of our plans to improve access to our trains and stations. As an organisation we will continue to work with our industry partners to improve the journey experience even further.”

Wrexham station was first opened in 1846 and today it serves more than half a million passengers. It is the main hub for inter-city services in the area and around 80% of all rail journeys in Wrexham County Borough start or end at this station.