BARNT Green station is set to have new lifts for the first time before the end of autumn.
Back in February, Network Rail began work on installing three lifts to link all four platforms at the station, and a spokesperson has revealed to the Standard that work was progressing well.
Barnt Green has seen several incidents where passengers have been under to get to their desired platform due to inaccessibility, leading to a decade-long campaign to get the lifts installed.
Much of the work is set to be completed outside operating hours and notice will be given to any disruption caused during the installation.
A Network Rail spokesperson, said: “Work to install lifts at Barnt Green station is progressing well with completion of the project expected before the end of autumn. We’d like to thank passengers and the local community for their patience while we work to make the station more accessible for everyone. Passengers can check for the latest travel updates at www.nationalrail.co.uk.”
Of the four platforms at the station, only two are accessible from the ground – the two outer ones on Hewell Road and Fiery Hill Road – it is not possible to get to the central two without using the stairs.
Barnt Green Parish Council’s pursuit of lifts was triggered by the installation of a new footbridge in 2015 as part of the electrification of the line which runs to Bromsgrove.
The council claimed new structure had more steps than the old footbridge and so should have incorporated disabled access to comply with the Equality Act 2010.
In 2019, wheelchair user and University of Worcester graduate Dylan Cummings told the Standard he felt embarrassed having to sit down to shuffle up and down stairs to cross the footbridge at the station to get to his intended platform, missing two trains in the ordeal.
He said he thought more could have been done in the intervening six years to make the station more accessible but added he was pleased the work was being carried out.
