Disability campaigner urging for reversal of decision to pause plans to improve Ledbury train station access
The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed last week the scheme would not be progressing at this point
A wheelchair user from Herefordshire is calling on the government to change its mind on its decision to pause a project to make getting around a train station in the county easier.
The Department for Transport (DfT) announced last week Ledbury railway station is one of 19 stations across Britain that will not currently be progressing with accessibility upgrade plans as part of the Access for All (AfA) programme.
A list of 50 stations were created by the previous government in May 2024 to have initial feasibility work carried out on them, with the current one confirming eight will move directly to delivery, while a further 23 projects will proceed to detailed designs.
The government added it had "carefully considered" the findings from the feasibility work and decisions were made based on criteria including areas such as the station’s usage levels and cost-effectiveness.
North Herefordshire MP Ellie Chowns said she was "really disappointed" the project has been put on hold, and she wants the government to hear from her and constituents "how important it is that Ledbury is taking forward".
Hereford-based disability campaigner Cameron Wood has said he's written to the secretary of state for transport and the rail minister urging the government to reverse this decision.
"To say I'm gutted by the news is an understatement," the 29-year-old said.
"Ledbury railway station hasn't been accessible for my entire lifetime and something needs to be done as soon as possible to ensure that it is accessible to all.
"I believe that they need to reverse this decision sooner rather than later, it needs to be done in the near-future so that we can have an accessible station in Ledbury."
A DfT spokesperson said: “Our £280m Access for All funding is making railway stations more accessible by delivering step-free routes and new lifts.
“Funding decisions are based on how ready schemes are to progress.
"Projects not taken forward at this stage, including Ledbury, are not ruled out and can be considered again in future funding rounds."