Council welcomes Access For All funding for Wellington station
Telford & Wrekin Council has welcomed the news that Wellington train station has been chosen as one of 73 nationwide to benefit from Department for Transport Access For All funding.
Subject to further feasibility studies, the money will be used to create a new accessible route into the station as well as to and between every platform to make the transport system more inclusive and better for people with a disability
The Department for Transport’s announcement today follows on from the publication of the government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy last year – which announced an additional £300m funding to extend the Access For All programme.
The stations announced today have been selected following nominations from the rail industry, which engaged with local authorities including Telford & Wrekin Council and other stakeholders like rail user groups.
They were assessed against criteria like annual footfall, the incidence of disability in the local area and other factors such as nearby hospitals and the availability of third party funding.
The preferences of train operating companies were also taken into account as well as the geographical spread of stations chosen.
Angie Astley, Telford & Wrekin Council’s assistant director for Neighbourhood and Customer Services, said: “Following on from our project to improve access at Telford Central station, this is a huge win and will result in improved access at Wellington station.
“It is also funding that we have lobbied for through our involvement with West Midlands Rail and other stakeholders.
“This is great news for everyone who uses Wellington station and will mean a significant upgrade to the facilities for disabled people so is very much to be welcomed.
“The scheme will be led by West Midlands Trains and Network Rail so will not require any direct investment from the council.”
