Work to provide a step-free platform at Eridge railway station in East Sussex has started, creating a more easily accessible travel experience for Southern Rail passengers with mobility issues, older people and parents with young children.

The £1.9m project is part of the Access for All programme and also includes a lift on platform one that has a capacity for 16 people and engineers will also be installing an accessible ramp at the station entrance leading to the ticket office.

Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of October 2021.

Unfortunately, a lift shaft cannot be installed on platform 2, which is used by the privately operated heritage railway run by Spa Valley Railway.

This is due to the reduced technical clearance, and the close proximity of the residential property on the platform.

The platforms at Eridge station were refurbished earlier this year.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “It is vital that everybody can use our rail network with ease and these brilliant accessibility improvements, funded by our Access for All programme, will help make this a reality. Our ambition is that the entire transport network is accessible for all by 2030 so that disabled people can travel easily, confidently and without extra cost.”

Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail said: “We strive to put passengers at the heart of our approach to running the railway, and with these further improvements, this complements the work we have completed at Eridge station to give better journeys to the people who need to travel on this route. We are working closely with contractors to keep disruption to a minimum and I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience and understanding whilst the work takes place.”

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