10 stations in South West to receive £20m government…

10 stations in South West to receive £20m government funding boost

Ten train stations in the South West are set to receive a share of £20million in government funding to help improve access for disabled passengers.

The improvements, which have been announced by transport secretary Grant Shapps, include better seating and clearer signs.

There will also be ramps and "tactile paving" installed at Lostwithiel station in Cornwall and a "variety of enhancements" at Dorchester South.

The stations will receive the funding through the government's Access for All programme - a scheme launched in 2006 to improve accessibility for disabled passengers.

Mr Shapps said: “The ability to travel easily from A to B is an essential factor for our day to day lives - but is not the reality for everyone.

“I recognise that we have much more to do, which is why we’re making 10 train stations across the South West more accessible - a key part of levelling-up access for disabled people to transport and opening up opportunities for all.

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary (Getty Images)

“This is just the start of a much more ambitious agenda. My goal is to go much further in the years ahead to help ensure that our country’s transport system becomes one of the most accessible in the world.”

The £20million is part of a £300million package announced last year to provide step-free routes at 73 stations across the UK.

Justin Tomlinson, minister for disabled people, said: “Everyone using our rail network deserves platforms and toilets they can use and this £20million investment to improve 10 railway stations across the South West will make a huge difference to disabled people.

“This Government is committed to levelling up the playing field and later this year we'll launch a national strategy which will ensure disabled people have equal access to all spheres of life.”

The news follows the launch of Inclusive Transport Leaders - an accreditation scheme to encourage bus and train companies to promote best practice in inclusive transport.

Operators that sign up to the scheme work towards one of three accreditation levels by demonstrating the steps they have taken to improve the travelling experiences of disabled passengers, older people, and those with reduced mobility.