Following intense lobbying by Michael Fabricant on the Department for Transport and West Midlands Railway, the Government is now making £300,000 available to provide a ramp from the new carpark at Lichfield Trent Valley Station down to the platform.

“Following the funding of two lifts – almost nearing completion – at Lichfield Trent Valley Railway station, the only obvious hindrance to disabled people gaining access to the platforms are the steps leading down from the new car park” says Michael Fabricant.  “To me, it seemed bizarre in the extreme to build a brand new car park and then make it disabled unfriendly.  This was an incredible anomaly in this day and age.

(l to r Francis Thomas of West Midlands Railway, Michael, and Richard Brooks of Network Rail)

“Following meetings I have had with West Midlands Railway who operate the station, Network Rail, and the Department of Transport, money has now been found to provide a wheelchair ramp from the car park to the platform which will not only assist wheelchair-bound passengers, but also those with children’s buggies and heavy luggage.”

The photo shows when Michael met with representatives of Network Rail and the station operator to discuss the access in December 2018.  The new ramp will provide an alternative route down from the car park from the steps shown.