MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS to Pershore’s railway station have taken a leap forward with the confirmation a bridge has been identified for installation linking the platform to a brand-new car park.
Town MP Harriett Baldwin, who has been leading the campaign to secure station improvements, welcomed the news a feasibility study has confirmed a recycled bridge can be used at Pershore.
The report, commissioned by Network Rail, confirmed the bridge, which is currently in Reading, can be re-constructed at Pershore’s station, allowing Wychavon District Council to press on with plans for a new car park and enhanced parking for less able and disabled rail users.
The Department for Transport is now seeking local views to make sure that the plan complies with European regulations and offers better parking provision for disabled rail users.
Mrs Baldwin has written to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps supporting the proposals and has called on local rail users – especially those with mobility issues or disabilities – to share their views with her so she can feed them back to the Department.
“I am delighted the Reading bridge is able to be re-used in Pershore and I will be lobbying the Department for Transport to try and get this project moved forward as quickly as possible,” she said.
“I’ve held meetings at the station with Network Rail and local rail user groups, to make sure everyone is supportive of this plan, and I am reassured this will mean better disabled parking provision and better facilities for less-able rail users.
“The European regulations require at least four per cent of parking spaces are available to disabled people and the current plans offer 5.3 per cent provision.
“I’ve asked local rail users to share their views with me and I’m particularly keen to hear from disabled people about the challenges they currently face at Pershore station so we can make sure their voices are heard.
Mrs Baldwin paid tribute to Wychavon District Council chiefs for their efforts and called on Mr Shapps to give the thumbs up to the project as soon as possible.
“Pershore station has an important future and with a new platform and a new car park this news is very exciting for the town,” she added.
