Northwich Railway Station Accessibility 2025-11-19

Opened the debate

I am proud to raise the issue of accessibility at Northwich railway station, which has lacked step-free access to its second platform since 2013. This affects disabled people and others who cannot use stairs, such as elderly passengers and parents with prams. The station serves a population of about 65,000 people within a 5 km radius but is effectively divided in half due to the lack of access between platforms. I have spoken with residents who are unable to visit family or attend job interviews because they cannot use Northwich station. Local charity Disability Positive has highlighted how disabled passengers are denied equal access, and some users have to be driven miles to another station simply to start their journey. The collapse of part of the station building in 2021 provided an opportunity for a comprehensive upgrade that was missed by the previous Government. Despite efforts to secure funding through the Access for All programme, Northwich station remains inaccessible for many people. I urge the Minister to publish the process for stations to be submitted for step-free access consideration and to set out timescales for future announcements.

Government Response

Accessibility is an absolute priority for this Government. Approximately 56% of Britain’s 2,581 railway stations are step-free, but we still have a long way to go. The Department has published a rail accessibility road map that includes tangible actions to improve the experience of disabled passengers on existing lines. Through the Access for All programme, over 270 station upgrades have been completed right across Britain, including new lifts and bridges. Thirty-two station accessibility upgrades have been completed since April 2024, with further improvements planned by March 2026. Acknowledges that Northwich station does not offer full step-free access, expressing regret over this situation. Confirms that the Government is committed to making significant improvements in rail accessibility and will consider Northwich for future rounds of Access for All funding based on powerful case made by the lead MP. Commits to writing to Network Rail's chief executive to ensure that accessibility is sufficiently embedded in planning and delivery, and reiterates £280 million in funding available through the recent spending review for the Access for All programme.