Network Rail have confirmed to Michael Fabricant today (17^th June) that the long awaited lifts at Lichfield Trent Valley Railways station have finally opened, albeit 12 months later than expected.

After constant pressure on Network Rail from Michael Fabricant, Ben Fitzpatrick of Network Rail has told him “I can now confirm the lifts at Lichfield Trent Valley are now open to public use.

“This project has taken longer than we would have liked to complete, with the Covid lockdown affecting safe working practices. We will keep a close eye on the lifts for a period of time to make sure there are no faults or issues arise.”

Michael Fabricant says:  “This has been a long campaign and it feels like an even longer construction period!  The lifts were originally due to open in June of last year and a number of issues dogged its opening.  These included problems with the foundations, faulty parts, and Covid-19.  But I am delighted that the lifts have finally opened giving step free access to all three platforms at Lichfield Trent Valley station.

“Now, the only remaining obstacle to disabled access are the steps from the new (east) car park down to the platforms and plans are being drawn up to install a ramp.  I hope its construction will not be as drawn out as long as the lifts.”

The photo shows Michael Fabricant with engineers from Network Rail back in December 2018 with plans for the lifts originally due open in June of 2019.