Campaigners fighting for fairer access at Abergavenny Train Station have reached their target after a transport body confirmed plans for a new passenger bridge - but not until 2023.

Revealing the move last week, Transport for Wales confirmed that Abergavenny station would be part of a pilot scheme fronted by Disability Wales, and an accessible bridge would be part of those plans.

It was later revealed however that the project was not likely to start until 2023 and be completed until 2024.

Local campaigners have lobbied for improved access at the station since late last year, when this newspaper revealed that passengers with mobility issues were often forced to travel an extra 50 miles out of their way to access stations suitable for their needs.

Activists from the Abergavenny Rail Access Campaign quickly swelled local support, gaining thousands of petition-signatures before convincing Abergavenny Town Council to officially back the bid, alongside David Davies MP and Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay.

The main bone of contention lay with the passenger bridge’s lack of a lift system to assist those with mobility issues. Campaigners also repeatedly pointed out that passengers with children, and those with heavy luggage, often struggled to access the platform via the bridge.

Currently, those needing assistance to cross the bridge to the platform have to phone 24-hours ahead. Campaigners said in various meetings with the town council that the lack of access hurt the independence of disabled people.

After reading the Chronicle’s August 2017 report detailing how disabled passengers were forced to travel tens of miles out of their way to get on a train, Barbara Crow got together with friends, sparking the grassroots campaign.

Campaigner Phillip Bowyer described the potentially long wait for the new bridge as ‘ disappointing’.

“It is disappointing to learn that we may have to wait so long. The longer we wait, the longer we will have to put up with events like those which prompted this campaign in the first place,” he said.

“The decision by Transport for Wales is a giant step forward for the campaign to get a new bridge giving access to all at Abergavenny station,” said Mr Bowyer.

“The campaign now enters a new phase. The devil, as they say, could be in the detail.  The bridge has to be designed to really meet the needs of all but thee bridge must be built with the shortest possible delay.  

“We have waited since  2011 when the bridge proposal was approved by Monmouthshire County Council’s planning Committee. The wait must end.”

Hailing the grassroots campaign which saw thousands of locals put their names to the effort, Mr Bowyer continued. ?

“It must also be said that the campaign shows that people can make a difference.  Just a couple of people (not me) almost a year ago got angry when they saw repair work starting on the old bridge which would do nothing to solve the access problem. 

“They wrote letters and protested and soon were joined by others.  They were the ones who stood out in town or at the station collecting signatures in the sunshine and the rain.they lobbied the different authorities. The support of all political parties on the town and county council and many different groups followed.

“All credit to those who stood up and raised their voices. We can make a difference.”

Councillor Gethin Jones, of Abergavenny, was first to learn of the news last week. He said, “This simply means we enter a new phase where this grassroots campaign will continue to apply pressure to all parties and bodies involved.

“We won’t rest till there is meaningful access for all the people of the town and its visitors.”

The campaign took to the streets earlier this year, garnering thousands of signatures which ultimately forced the hand of the transport authorities and government bodies. Meeting with representatives from Network Rail in May, councillors and campaigners heard that the strength of the campaign is what pushed Network Rail into action years ahead of schedule.

Abergavenny Mayor Teslin Davies also welcomed the news. “Transport for Wales has stated that a new bridge will be installed and the town council is delighted that the local campaign has been successful and would like to congratulate all those involved. We await further details of when these improvements will take place and we will continue to lobby until the station is fully accessible.”

Councillor Tudor Thomas said Phillip Bowyer had been ‘instrumental’ within the campaign, and that both town and county councils deserved a commendation for their efforts.

“I have to thank Phillip Bowyer. His petition and campaign had a huge effect. And the group that he got together. He’s done a lot of work. So, have the group that supported him. ??“To be fair, the town council and Monmouthshire deserve a mention. It wasn’t party-political. It is particularly good news for people in this area. It serves a wide swathe. People from across Monmouthshire, and even as far as Brecon come to Abergavenny. This is good news, not just for disabled people, but also this with children. It’s currently a very difficult crossing if you have luggage, or children with you. ??“It makes a great deal of sense.”

A spokesman from Transport for Wales said the body would release full details of the revamp when appropriate.

“At this stage I can confirm that the station will be a Disability Wales pilot station and have a new bridge. Further details will follow in due course.”