Media centre

Saturday 31 May 2003

WORK TO COMMENCE ON MAJOR UPGRADE OF PASSENGER LIFT AT BURY ST. EDMUNDS STATION

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

| Southern

Work is to commence on a major upgrade of the passenger lift at Bury St. Edmunds station. In a scheme to improve access to the station platforms (in conjunction with train operator Anglia Railways), Network Rail is investing £165,000 to upgrade one of the lifts at Bury St. Edmunds station. The lift is to be completely renovated with all of the mechanics and the structure being replaced.  The new push-button lift will be able to withstand the everyday demands of travelling and it meets all disability laws and recommendations. Jon Wiseman, General Manager, Network Rail said: "We hope that passengers using Bury St Edmunds station will benefit from this major investment to the lift." Tim Clarke, Anglia Railways’ Managing Director, said "We are delighted to be working with Network Rail to improve integration and accessibility at one of our key stations in Suffolk." The work to upgrade the existing lift will commence on Thursday 5 June and is scheduled for completion by 10 October 2003. While the work takes place, access to the platforms will be available via the subway stairs only. During this period, it will not be possible for passengers with impaired mobility and those requiring special assistance to alight or disembark at Bury St. Edmunds. Anglia Railways will be providing special assistance for those customers as follows: ·         Customers travelling to Cambridge from Bury:    Taxi to Cambridge ·         Customers travelling to Peterborough:                 Taxi to Ely for onward connection ·         Customers travelling to Ipswich / London:           Taxi to Stowmarket for onward connection ·         Customers travelling to Bury (from other stations) will be assisted off the train at Stowmarket and then forwarded by taxi, direct to Bury Customers who require special assistance are advised to request this in advance and to arrive at the station at least half an hour before the timetabled departure to ensure sufficient time to meet the connections at the allocated stations. Assistance can be booked in the normal way through Anglia Railways’ Customer Relations on 08456 50 40 90 or via the Contact Centre on 08700 40 90 90. Information is also available on the website at: www.angliarailways.co.uk The project to upgrade the lift is the second phase of a Rail Passenger Partnership Grant approved by the Strategic Rail Authority earlier this year, which includes station forecourt improvements. Other partners in the scheme include Suffolk County Council, St.Edmundsbury Borough Council, Network Rail and Anglia Railways.