LOCAL disability campaigners are outraged by Network Rail’s announcement that current renovation work at Abergavenny Railway Station will not include disabled access because of ‘funding restrictions’.

Network rail have stated, ‘Essentially we are delivering a ‘like-for-like’ renewal of the Grade 2 listed footbridge at the station. The overall appearance of the bridge will be improved but not physically altered.

At present, access to the southbound platform is only available via 45 steps over the footbridge or by barrow crossing with lockable gates. Customers unable to use the steps must contact ticket office staff during opening hours. Campaigners and politicians have long battled for better access but will be disappointed by Network Rail’s limited work.

The company states, ‘The mesh on the latticework parapets will be renewed and replacement anti-slip floor surfacing will be fitted to the bridge deck and stair treads.During this time the station will remain fully operational with a temporary footbridge in place.

‘Elements of the appearance of the footbridge will be also be enhanced, for example, we plan to re-site cabling on the structure to reduce its visibility.’

Jenny Barnes MBE, secretary of Monmouthshire-based disability support group CAIR, said, ‘It’s an outrage; to continue to deny full access to this station because of a disability is unacceptable.

‘The current system of needing a member of staff to unlock the barrow gates and escort those needing help across the tracks is just not adequate.

‘There was a time when there were three members of staff working days and evenings so a porter was always on hand; but now, the last time I visited there was just one staff member who had to sell tickets before he was free to escort a person across the tracks and by this time the train’s arrival was imminent. It must have been very stressful.

‘It’s not only the disabled who are disadvantaged because of this. If you use the station out of hours and are elderly with heavy luggage there is no alternative but to carry it up and over the footbridge.’

A spokesperson for Network Rail commented, ‘Unfortunately there are a number of stations across the country which were built many years ago with little consideration of accessibility issues. The Department for Transport has a dedicated fund, known as ‘Access for All’ which is used to make improvements at stations.

The decision about which schemes receive funding is made with the support of Network Rail and train operation companies. This process considers a number of factors including current access arrangements, passenger numbers and feedback from local stakeholders. The present fund for the period 2014 - 2019 is fully allocated.’

Arriva Trains state in their booklet,. ‘Making Rail Accessible’, ‘When booked in advance through Passenger Assist we will provide assistance at any of our staffed stations during the hours that trains are scheduled to call.

If you wish to travel to or from a station that is unstaffed and If your assistance needs require it, we can provide alternative transport such as a taxi, at no extra cost to you, to take you to the most convenient accessible or staffed station, where a member of staff will be on hand to assist you’.

The nearest stations to Abergavenny with full disability access are at Hereford (23 miles) and Newport (19 miles).

Nick Ramsay, Welsh Assembly member for Monmouthshire said, ‘I have campaigned for better disabled access. It’s not good enough for Arriva and Network Rail to simply pass the buck to each other - this issue needs to be addressed and urgently.

‘As for how we take this forward, we know the Welsh Government is currently in the process of awarding the next South Wales and Border Franchise. I will be pressing for the new franchise to include a strong commitment to the improvement of conditions for disabled people using the trains and stations. 

‘When the current franchise was negotiated 15 years ago it contained very little for disabled people. Indeed, there was virtually no obligation on the operating company to improve services at all - for anyone.

‘This has to change. The current franchise was negotiated by the UK Government, the new franchise has been a matter for the Welsh Government. Hopefully it will be more responsive to the needs of Wales and local people. 

‘We need new, more suitable, accessible rolling stock and a renewed commitment from the franchise holder to listen to disabled passengers - and act on their concerns.’