Cash for better disabled access at railway stations (From Your Local Guardian)

Money for better disabled access at London and Surrey railway stations

6:20am Monday 9th February 2009 in Kingston

Elderly and disabled passengers are set to benefit from a multi-million pound investment to make it easier for them to use railway stations.

Worcester Park, Walton, Mitcham, Earlsfield, Sutton, Wandsworth Road and Herne Hill are all earmarked for a slice of £37m will help improve access to 523 stations across England and Wales, paying for ramps, disabled toilets, lifts and extra parking spaces.

Mitcham Junction and Mitcham Eastfields are to get £500,000 for a ramped entrance and scoot and ride scheme.

Walton is set to receive £40,200 towards an accessible toilet and drop-off bay while Worcester Park will get £55,200 for the same additions, plus a split-height ticket counter.

Sutton station plans to upgrade the current toilets for £12,500 and Earlsfield will install an accessible restroom with the £40,000 they receive.

A total contribution of £16,700 will pay towards a handrail, toilet and ramp at stations in Herne Hill and Wandsworth Road.

Transport Minister Geoff Hoon said: "We want disabled and elderly people to travel on the rail network more easily and in greater comfort and I am delighted to be able to announce this latest round of improvements.

"Railways should be for everyone and with passenger numbers increasing, it's vital we can cater for disabled and elderly people in this country."

The £370 million Access for All initiative was launched in March 2006 to fund the redevelopment of train stations across England, Scotland and Wales.

Councils, charities and regional transport executives are invited each year to bid for the fund and all money has to be matched by financial contributions from the region.

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