Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Stations Outside Cities: Regeneration

Thursday 13 October 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions on 2022-10-13 covered regeneration of stations outside cities
  • George Freeman raised concerns about infrastructure and accessibility in East Anglia
  • Rachel Hopkins inquired about steps to increase investment in station regeneration for various user groups

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 George Freeman Con Mid Norfolk
Economy Transport Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP highlights East Anglia's potential for growth through agritech, cleantech, biotech and other tech sectors but faces infrastructure challenges. Wymondham station has accessibility issues.

Question

I am grateful for that answer. No region is more poised to deliver growth for this country than the east, with agritech, cleantech, biotech and every other tech, but we are being held back by terrible infrastructure. The residents of East Anglia want a commitment to regional rail—what Network Rail dismisses as small regional routes—right at the heart of a growth vision. Will my right hon. and hon. Friends agree to support the role of stations in rural areas? There are 52 in East Anglia. They could all be innovation hubs and be redeveloped. They are going nowhere at the moment. In particular, there is Wymondham station in my patch, where disabled passengers have to go to Norwich to change platforms. We have waited 10 years. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made big commitments. Will the Minister meet me to drive rural stations for growth?

Answer from Kevin Foster

I am always delighted to meet colleagues who share my passion for investing in our rail network and who recognise that our stations are not just a handy place to board a train, but are sometimes the heart of a local community. We are investing in our stations: for example, we recently delivered a new mobility hub at Norwich station in the east of England. I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding Wymondham station and detailed commitments were not fully addressed.

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Q2 George Freeman Con Mid Norfolk
NHS Transport
Context

Staveley station on the Lakes line from Oxenholme to Windermere has 41 steps, making it inaccessible for those with mobility issues. The station has not qualified for funding in previous bids.

Question

Staveley station in my constituency, on the Lakes line from Oxenholme to Windermere, has 41 steps to get up to it. It is 100% inaccessible to anybody with a mobility problem. That is an outrage. We have bid into several pots over the years, but because it is not a main line station, it never qualifies for any funding. Will the Minister meet me and local rail campaigners to make sure that Staveley station is accessible for everyone?

Answer from Kevin Foster

As the hon. Member will know, we are making great progress on accessibility through our Access for All programme across our stations. We are also completing an accessibility audit of all the stations on our network. I am happy to meet him to talk about his station and I look forward to announcing, in the next year, the latest round of stations that will benefit from Access for All improvements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding Staveley station was not fully addressed with a concrete commitment or timeline.

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Q3 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Transport
Context

The MP highlights the need for an upgrade at Witham train station and mentions accessibility issues at Marks Tey station.

Question

I welcome the Minister to his new role and thank him for all his work in the Home Office. Will the Minister commit to the upgrade of Witham train station, which has been under debate and discussion for many years? Importantly, will he help with the accessibility issue at Marks Tey station? I also invite him to come to Marks Tey station to look at the work that is needed to make it fully accessible.

Answer from Kevin Foster

I have a feeling that I will hear quite a lot about Chorley station over the next few months, Mr Speaker. Turning to matters in Essex, I am delighted to see my right hon. Friend in her place, campaigning hard for her constituents. I would be delighted to visit—I expect that that is an invitation I really cannot refuse.

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding Witham station and Marks Tey station was completely avoided.

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Q4 Priti Patel Con Witham
Transport
Context

The MP highlights the poor condition of Luton town station, which is crucial for both work travel and local events. There are accessibility issues at four out of five platforms.

Question

Luton town station is our gateway to our town centre. People use it to go to work and football fans use it to go to the match, but as local people know and consistently tell me, it is not fit for purpose. It is decrepit and run down. Will the Minister outline the details of when the Access for All work will begin to install lifts to the four out of five platforms that are inaccessible? More importantly, to grow our local economy, will he commit to funding a comprehensive renovation to the station to make it fit for the 21st century?

Answer from Kevin Foster

I am happy to respond in more detail, perhaps in writing, about when work is planned to take place. I recognise the important role that the station plays at the heart of her constituency and community.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding comprehensive renovation details was not fully addressed with a concrete timeline or commitment.

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Q5 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Transport
Context

The MP highlights the potential for growth in East Anglia but faces infrastructure challenges.

Question

Whether her Department is taking steps to increase investment in the regeneration of stations outside cities to (a) improve access for (i) local residents, (ii) commuters and (iii) tourists and (b) support growth hubs.

Answer from Kevin Foster

The Government recognise that stations are the heart of many communities across our country, providing vital transport links. We are investing in stations through the new stations fund and the restoring your railway programme, as well as through wider enhancement and renewal schemes. We are also providing accessibility improvements through the £383 million Access for All programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding detailed steps was not fully addressed with concrete actions or commitments.

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