Michael Fabricant has contacted Network Rail regarding the newly constructed lifts at Lichfield Trent Valley which “go out of service every time there is a heavy downpour”.

Michael says:  “I have received numerous complaints from constituents about the newly installed lifts at Lichfield Trent Valley station which go out of service every time there is a heavy downpour.  This completely unacceptable as the lifts are needed even more in wet weather when the steps are slippery.  I wrote to Network Rail saying I have been told that the sub-contractors failed to clear drains so when it rains, water collects and pours down the lift shaft.  I also understand that a sloping basement floor, where the electrics are installed, was not put in place so the water does not funnel into a pipe to let the water drain onto the railway tracks.  Consequently, the power shuts off.

“I made it clear that this needs to be rectified as a matter of urgency.”

Lucy Greggs of Network Rail has now responded:  “After the lifts were flooded on 11 July, one of our contractors began working on site to resolve the issue. A water pump was booked for 20 July and the lifts were then operational. To reduce the risk of this happening again, we are currently in the planning phase of installing further channel drainage, making the lifts more resilient for passengers.”

Michael now says:  “Every time this happens, the lifts are out of action until someone comes along to pump the water out.  This can’t keep recurring.  I shall expect Network Rail to have a permanent solution before the winter sets in.  It took a long time to install the lifts in the first place.  A permanent fix needs to be completed soon and, in any event, before Platform 3 is reopened.”