House of Commons · General Debate
11 January 2023 · 2 other contributors
Opened by Tobias Ellwood Con Bournemouth East
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Tobias Ellwood raised concerns about pokesdown railway station in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Lobbying to upgrade the Boscombe railway station since 2016, aiming to improve accessibility and infrastructure at Pokesdown railway station. The project involves repairing lifts that have been broken for 35 years, repainting the station, modernising the forecourt, improving security, upgrading the footbridge, introducing wi-fi, and adding local personality through football-themed montages from AFC Bournemouth.
Calling for the immediate commencement of work to fix lifts at Pokesdown railway station. £5.7 million has been pledged by various stakeholders, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (£2.6m), South Western Railway (£3.1m), Network Rail (£3.1m). The Department for Transport has approved the plans but work remains delayed.
Congratulates the right hon. Friend on securing the debate; confirms £5.7 million funding for improvements at Pokesdown station, jointly funded by Network Rail, South Western Railway and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council; reassures that canopies will be completed by mid-2023 and footbridge by mid-2024; expects tender for the outline design of lifts to be awarded by the end of the month with construction expected later in 2023 or early 2024. Emphasises the importance of levelling up funding for coastal areas, highlighting the need for accessibility improvements.
Government Response
Reassures that £5.7 million has been agreed; updates on timelines for canopies and footbridge; outlines progress with lifts tender process.