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Hedge End Train Station: Accessibility
21 October 2020
Lead MP
Paul Holmes
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
HousingEmploymentTransportWomen & Equalities
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Paul Holmes raised concerns about hedge end train station: accessibility in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I rise to raise with the Government an issue that has been a long-standing concern of my constituents living in Hedge End, Botley, West End and Fair Oak, regarding the lack of accessibility at Hedge End train station. Over the past 20 years, Eastleigh borough's population has grown by 15%, almost double the national average rate, with significant increases in house building not matched by new infrastructure. Between 2001 and 2011, Dowd’s Farm development increased Hedge End North’s population by 33.6%. Currently, there are further 738 new homes planned for the next decade. Despite this growth, many constituents face difficulties entering Hedge End station due to a lack of lifts or wheelchair-accessible facilities. Parents with disabled children and commuters with mobility issues must use alternative stations like Southampton Airport Parkway or Eastleigh, adding additional costs and inconvenience. This situation discourages sustainable travel alternatives and poses challenges for the environment and local transport networks. With proper upgrades, we can improve access for disabled people, families, and promote greener travel options.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
My right hon. Friend is correct; many constituents have written to me about their inability to use Hedge End station due to disabilities.
Drummond
Con
Meon Valley
There are options to improve the footbridge from that side of the train station, but for long-term benefits and increased population usage, we need more substantial improvements.
Government Response
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his positive engagement regarding accessibility to the railway network at Hedge End station. The Department for Transport's inclusive transport strategy from 2018 aims to ensure that disabled people have the same access to transport as everyone else by 2030. We recognise the limitations of Victorian-era infrastructure and are committed to improving it, with £350 million in funding dedicated to the Access for All programme over control period 6 (2019-2024). Hedge End station was nominated but not selected due to its lower footfall compared to other stations. While I cannot guarantee further funding now, we will consider unsuccessful stations if additional funds become available. The Government is also pressing the industry to comply with legal obligations and enforce accessibility standards, including training staff and requiring annual reports from train operators on disability awareness efforts.
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