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Friday 14 Sep 2018

Great North Rail Project to provide passengers with better access at Kirkham & Wesham station

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Kirkham & Wesham station to have step-free access to all platforms thanks to the Great North Rail Project.

Passengers in Kirkham & Wesham are to benefit from lifts and a new footbridge which links a brand new platform to the station, providing easier access to trains, thanks to the recent upgrade of the Preston to Blackpool railway.

Yesterday (13 September) the MP for Fylde, Mark Menzies, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the station as Network Rail, Northern, Lancashire County Council, local town councillors and rail user group members marked the station upgrade during a short ceremony at the station.

Kirkham & Wesham station has benefited from an improved track layout, the installation of a new platform with lifts which will provide access to all platforms, as well as electrification as part of Blackpool’s recent rail revolution.

Mark Menzies, MP for Fydle said: “When I became an MP, improving the access at Kirkham Station was a project I made a priority and I am delighted to see not one but two lifts, ensuring the station will be fully accessible to everyone.

“For too long the station was a no-go area for those with disabilities, anyone with a pram, or even heavy shopping.

“In this day and age, there should be no barrier to someone in a wheelchair or someone with a pushchair being able to access services.”

Andrew Morgan, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “As part of our multi-billion pound Great North Rail Project, Kirkham & Wesham station has been transformed with a new platform, footbridge and lifts.

“The work - which included rebuilding the existing platforms - has been delivered alongside our upgrade of Blackpool’s railway which has enabled the introduction of greener, quieter and more modern electric trains on the route.

“The accessibility improvements we are making will not only benefit disabled people or those with reduced mobility, but also those with children, heavy luggage or shopping.”

Craig Harrop, Interim Regional Director for Northern said: “We’re delighted that Kirkham & Wesham station will benefit from a new platform, two new lifts and a footbridge.

“The upgrade work helps to support us on our journey to making the Northern network accessible to all and furthers our commitment to inclusive rail travel.

Kirkham station provides a key route into and out of the Fylde area, and the new infrastructure will provide our customers with a modern environment and easy access for years to come.”

Liz Oades, Kirkham's Lancashire County and Fylde Council member said: "Having spent so many years campaigning for a lift at the Station I am thrilled that we are now getting two lifts, I am also very happy to see improvements to the station and the stock and I'm hopeful we will now be given the service passengers in the north deserve.

“Work is ongoing between the Council and the Rail Authorities to provide parking facilities at the Station, this will enable the improved facilities to be enjoyed by all without inconvenience to our residents."

Final testing of the station’s two new lifts has now been completed and they will be open to passengers from next week.

For more information visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/blackpool