Local Station Improvements on Track
I have recently raised my concerns with Assembly Government Ministers about the levels of accessibility of several train stations in Cardiff North for disabled people and mothers with pushchairs. The station in Llandaff North has been one of the most problematic given that it is the fourth busiest station in the capital – behind Central, Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.
With over 400,000 people using the station including many people in the Llandaff North and Whitchurch areas it is vital that both platforms can be accessed. Last March the Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, admitted that there were real problems in accessing smaller train stations in Cardiff North and that he was committed to do all he could to improve and upgrade access for disabled passengers.
After recent discussions between me, the Minister and his officials, the Assembly Government has confirmed that it is preparing an application for Access for All funding, which is UK Government grant money provided by the Ministry of Transport. I have been very pleased with the discussions that have taken place with the Welsh Assembly Government and the positive response I have had from the Minister and his officials in examining this issue.
They have been working with Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales to assess the accessibility and build up a strong case that improvements need to be made. As it stands, the current access layout to the station means that if you were disabled and wanted to go into the city, the only way of doing it would be to go back a stop to Radyr; this simply shouldn’t have to be the case.
I believe that the Welsh Assembly Government does have the responsibility to invest and improve the journey experience of disabled people, through better access to the railway. If there is UK Government money there to apply for, then it should do all it can to secure it.
The next round of bidding for this pot of money opens early next year. Pushing this case and preparing a robust application now, will I hope, put the bid in a strong position to win that funding.