Stockport Borough Council is awaiting the outcome of a bid made by Transport for Greater Manchester for funding which could see the borough’s stations made accessible. It is hoped that the outcome of the bid will be revealed as part of the Autumn Statement’s announcement, tomorrow, Wednesday the 22nd of November.

Transport for Greater Manchester originally applied for the Access for All Scheme back in September 2022 for 11 prioritised stations, including Woodsmoor, Davenport, Bredbury and Woodley. To date, an update on this matter from the Department for Transport is yet to be made and therefore tomorrow’s Autumn Statement is awaited with much anticipation.

Prior to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announcing his Autumn Statement, Councillor Grace Baynham, who is Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, has called on the Government to provide funding which would ensure that access issues faced by Stockport borough stations are resolved.

Councillor Grace Baynham of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council said:

“We’re obviously really happy that the ticket offices have remained open and that railway users will be able to seek assistance ahead of their journeys,”

“But we are hoping that money is made available for the ‘Access for All’ scheme so the work on further access improvements can start and be completed.”

“It is a really important issue, and it will help residents travel around the borough of Stockport and further afield.”

“I believe that all stations in Stockport should be made step-free and accessible to all residents who want to use them, and I really hope we hear some good news on Wednesday.”