A SENIOR councillor has expressed ‘disappointment’ that Ruabon’s train station has failed to secure disabled access funding once again.

The Access for All Mid-Tier scheme saw the Welsh Government nominate several stations to be supported with match funding from the Department for Transport.

The schemes selected by the government department were all based in south Wales. These included lift additions at stations in Neath, Grangetown, Pontypool and New Inn and Llantwit Major.

In a statement issued by Cllr David Bithell, chair of the Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership, said: “Whilst we are naturally very disappointed that passengers will not benefit from this scheme we are fully supportive of the news from the minister for transport and economy, Ken Skates, that he has asked Transport for Wales to urgently consider progressing step free access at the stations that were unsuccessful through their own direct investment using the matched funding that was offered to the UK Government.”

He adds that Ruabon is a busy station with two flights of stairs that passengers would need to use in order to access the Chester platform.

Cllr Bithell continued: “It is the only station on our line that fails to meet the passenger’s needs. It is in an area of strong housing and retail growth and is the rail/bus gateway access for Llangollen and the World Heritage site at Pontcysyllte.

“We will continue to offer our help and support to ensure this project is delivered.”

The Leader previously reported that a charity hit out at the fact that half of all train stations in Wrexham and Flintshire do not have full step-free access.

The charity, Leonard Cheshire, said the situation means disabled people are being excluded from travelling by train from their local station for work, education or to see friends and loved ones.

Across the two counties, seven of the 14 stations do not have step-free access according to National Rail's accessibility map.

Wrexham Central and Wrexham General stations – both in the town centre – have step free access, as does Chirk. Gwersyllt and Ruabon stations do not.

The findings also include Flintshire’s Shotton - one of the busiest stations in North East Wales which is on both the Holyhead to Chester line and Liverpool to Wrexham line.

Stations in Hawarden, Penyffordd, Hope and Cefyn-y-bedd also do not have unrestricted access for disabled passengers.

It is only Flint, Hawarden Bridge, Buckley and Caergwrle that have step free access.