MP slams 'disgraceful' Whitchurch stations access decision

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, criticised the Government after it announced Whitchurch Railway Station would not receive step-free improvements during the next phase of the Access for All programme.

This is despite Network Rail classifying the upgrades as "high priority" and having designs for a lift already in place.

Ms Morgan said: "This disgraceful decision suggests the Government is determined to disadvantage Shropshire at every turn.

"The Conservatives made a promise they didn’t have the money to keep, and now Shropshire has yet again been snubbed by a Labour government that doesn’t care about rural areas.

READ MORE: Shropshire railway station's long-awaited lift still not built

"People with access needs are being discriminated against.

"For them, there might as well not be a second platform at Whitchurch.

"I’ll be making this clear to the Rail Minister and have requested an urgent meeting."

The decision follows an 18-month delay by Labour ministers, who paused all accessibility schemes after the 2024 general election.

The Conservative government had previously committed to improvements at the station, but it has since been confirmed that this promise was never backed by funding.

Campaigners, including Ms Morgan and residents, have long called for upgrades at Whitchurch Station, where wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, and passengers with limited mobility face 44 steps to reach Platform 1 and trains towards Shrewsbury.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy outlined the refusal in a letter, citing financial constraints.

Lord Hendy said: "In May 2024, the previous government announced feasibility work on 50 stations without indicating how the delivery of such schemes would be funded, raising significant stakeholder expectations.

"This government is committed to a rigorous approach and only making commitments we believe are affordable and would represent value for money to passengers and taxpayers.

"We are of the view that funding accessibility upgrades at Whitchurch station at this time would not be consistent with that approach."

Ms Morgan remains committed to securing step-free access at the station.

She is encouraging residents to share their experiences of public transport to support the ongoing campaign and has a petition on her website.

The Government said ministers had "carefully considered" the findings of initial feasibility work and decided which will progress, based on how busy stations are, the geographical spread of supported projects, use of pre-existing technical work, and the presence of a third-party funding contribution.