By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A campaign group which called for lifts to be installed at Beeston station say they are “over the moon” after work finally started on the project.
The multi-million-pound improvements by Network Rail will prevent wheelchair users and others with mobility problems from facing a 500m-long alternative route to change platforms.
The upgrades are due to be completed in the autumn.
Beeston Station has two platforms directly linked only by stairs to a bridge over the line – meaning anyone who cannot use stairs faces the long route round via main roads and pavements.
Campaigners say the plans will also help passengers with heavy luggage or prams.
Trish Roberts-Thomson, chair of Friends of Beeston Station, has been campaigning for the lifts alongside the group since 2017.
She said members were “over the moon” after “seven years of quiet campaigning”.
She said: “It has been a long road but we’ve got there in the end. We’re delighted and amazed that workmen have finally gone on site.
“We’re particularly grateful to the Department of Transport and their Access for All Fund, responsible for providing the money for the lifts, and to Network Rail, supported by East Midlands Railway, who put forward the bid.
“Over the years there has been a lot of collaboration between the authorities, the landowners and the community along with a shared commitment to make the station accessible. We’re very grateful to everybody involved.”
As part of the work, the existing platform one staircase will be removed and replaced with a new set of stairs.
During the project, a temporary diversion will be in place for passengers going from one side of the station to the other.
The project is part of the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ scheme to implement step-free accessible routes at hundreds of stations across Britain.
Darren Henry, Conservative MP for Broxtowe, added: “I am delighted this project is finally going to begin. Beeston Station is a huge asset to the community and is kept immaculate all year around by the tireless work of the Friends of Beeston Station. These lifts will benefit a wide range of people and I cannot wait to see them opened in due course.”
Dave Meredith, Customer Services Director for train company East Midlands Railway, said disruption will be kept to a minimum.
He said: “We are advising our customers to allow plenty of time to walk between the platforms [during the work], as this will add approximately seven minutes on to their journey and we would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.
“Once complete, Beeston railway station will be accessible and safer for our customers for the future.”
