Accessible train stations are critical for growth and fairness

The importance of accessible train stations is not only a critical issue about fairness, but also about growth, said Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart in a Westminster Hall debate on step-free access for stations today. 

Supporting fellow Liberal Democrat MP Paul Kohler, who brought the debate to Parliament, she raised the example of Bredbury Station in the Hazel Grove constituency, where access is only on one side of the station.

Lib Dem MP Lisa Smart said: "We very clearly need more certainty about the future of Access for All funding and the real crying need for many of our communities to have level access to public transport. 

"Stations like Bredbury, where you can travel in one direction with level access, but not the other, are affecting people's decisions about whether to take employment."

The MP recently met with Transport for Greater Manchester to discuss whether the area's “Bee Network” roll out can deliver more step free access at stations.