Working together to deliver for Kidsgrove.

I can announce that Kidsgrove Railway Station has been included in the next tranche of access for all funding.  Campaigners have fought for years for the station to be considered for a government grant.  As it stands, people with disabilities cannot get across the footbridge due to 3 flights of steps.  Not only does the current bridge affect the disabled, but also people with pushchairs and the elderly.  It is estimated that the cost of replacing the bridge with a ramped bridge is in the region of at least £3 Million.  This is some of the biggest investment Kidsgrove has seen in a very long time and is welcomed by many people in the local community.   Joan Walley MP has fought a long battle with the department of transport in parliament and finally the work has paid off.  Last year the community pulled together, signed petitions and wrote letters to Transport ministers.  Joan Walley, Jon Honeysett MBE, Councillors, the friends of Kidsgrove Station and key local figures should be thanked for all of their hard work to make this dream a reality.

In an email to campaigners and supporters, Joan wrote:

Hi All

I am delighted to be able to tell you that all our efforts to campaign for disabled access at Kidsgrove Railway Station have been successful- the Department for Transport have today announced that Kidsgrove has been included in the next tranche of Access for All funding!

This wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t put together such a strong campaign and I want to thank you for all your efforts on this. I believe this could be truly transformational for the town. We must now get on with the planning stage so that this bridge is built as soon as possible and we must also work to get integrated bus services in the town too.

I will be organising a follow up meeting to take forward our plans and I will let you know about this asap.

Thanks

Joan Walley

Kidsgrove Station Footbridge