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Tuesday 27 Sep 2016

Passengers benefit from improved access at Goring & Streatley railway station as new footbridge and lifts open

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Passengers travelling to and from Goring & Streatley station will benefit from improved access as a new footbridge and lifts were officially opened by Network Rail on Monday, 26 September, as part of the company’s Railway Upgrade Plan.

The new facilities will greatly improve accessibility at the station, offering a step-free route from the station’s main entrance to both platforms without the need for staff assistance.

This will not only benefit passengers with reduced mobility, but also those travelling with children or heavy luggage.

The opening ceremony was performed by Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy and MP for Henley-on-Thames, John Howell. Also in attendance were Graeme Tandy, Thames Valley route delivery director for Network Rail, and representatives from the local community, including members of the action group Mobility Issues Group for Goring and Streatley (MIGGS).

Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, said: “With John Howell MP, it is a pleasure to officially open the superb new footbridge and lifts here at Goring & Streatley station, which will provide benefits for many passengers.  

“As part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, we are aiming to bring our railways into the 21st century by improving access for passengers across the board, and the opening of these facilities is another step towards this goal.”

John Howell, MP for Henley-on-Thames, said: “I am absolutely delighted that these lifts have been installed and are now open for use. Accessibility for all is important. It has taken some time to get to this stage and there have been lots of ups and downs along the way but persistence has paid off.

“I am pleased to have been able to play my part working with John Boler and MIGGS to get to this point."

John Boler, chairman of MIGGS, said: “We campaigned tirelessly for over five years to ensure that Goring & Streatley station had full accessibility; and I would like to thank Network Rail, GWR and the contractors for delivering this brand new ‘Access for All’ bridge and lifts.

“This will make a real difference to many who already use the station; as well as attracting new customers to the railway.”

Matthew Golton, commercial development director for GWR, said: “We recognise the key role that rail travel has in supporting the local and national economy and we are delighted that this improvement has been completed, providing better access for all who use the station. It is great for us and for our customers to work with partners delivering benefits which make a real difference.”

ENDS