Campaigners call for consultation over disabled access at Flitwick railway station

Campaigners are calling for disabled people to be consulted and not ignored over the redevelopment of land next to Flitwick railway station and step free access.

The project to provide a transport hub at the Steppingley Road site was recently granted planning permission by Central Bedfordshire Council’s (CBC) development control sub-committee. But providing step free access for the station is a separate scheme.

Founder of campaign group Step Free Access, Ian Cook said: “It puzzles me how CBC can be looking at a transport hub and the station approach without a rail strategy plan.

“I have also been in contact with South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). I’m waiting for them to contact me for talks on disabled access and parking for the transport hub.

“A council officer suggested once these proposals are sufficiently developed and a potential schedule for delivery established, CBC will consult local residents and stakeholders.

“This doesn’t give me a lot of hope. Why won’t the council contact us directly?” asked Mr Cook.

“Nothing was being done until this campaign got up and running, two years ago.

“Both Step Free Access and Bedfordshire Commuters’ Association, which has been pushing for lifts at the station for some years, made all the difference.”

The council’s own plans for the transport hub involve demolishing a hot food takeaway and revised use of the land to provide a bus interchange. This will consist of three bus stops and bus shelters, a new drop-off/pick up lay-by and a rearranged parking layout.

A council spokeswoman said: “The interchange project is limited to improving both access to the station building and facilities to support connectivity by public transport.

“The requirements of mobility impaired users have been taken into account in the design for the new hub.

“All footpaths have been designed to consider gradients and spatial needs for wheelchair users.

“A new ramp access is to be provided to address current level issues and provide suitable access to the station entrance from the bus interchange.

“The new bus stops have been designed to enable step free access between any low floor buses and the passenger waiting area.”

The interchange project helped to support Govia in successfully bidding for Access for All funding, added the spokeswoman.

“Any changes to the inside of the station are the responsibility of Govia/Network Rail as it’s their property.”

Investment director for Network Rail Paul McKeown said: “We know how important work to improve accessibility at Flitwick station is for passengers and the local community.

“Planning and development work with the Department for Transport is ongoing to deliver a project, which includes the installation of lifts at the station, as soon as possible.

“This follows the government’s announcement in March that these proposals would be funded as part of the Access for All programme.

“We don’t have start dates or further timescales, but the scheme will be completed by 2024.

“Network Rail is looking to engage with passengers, people in the community and stakeholders as we move forward with plans.

“The integrated transport hub will improve the experience for passengers using the station.”