Community leaders have called on the UK Government to finally back the long-running campaign for lifts at Ruabon Station.
Member of the Senedd Ken Skates was notified this week that Network Rail will nominate the Ruabon project for the next round of the UK Government’s Access for All programme.
However, the UK Government have refused funding for the project on two occasions already.
The Welsh Government wants lifts installed to help people with mobility issues, families with young children and commuters carrying heavy luggage move between platforms.
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Clwyd South MS Mr Skates said: “It has been well documented that the Welsh Labour Government has twice before put money on the table for this long-awaited work to go ahead, even though it’s not a devolved area, and I know the Friends of Ruabon – and many other local people – have been extremely frustrated by the slow progress and false dawns.
“I have submitted a letter of support to Network Rail and I’m 100% behind this. The Friends of Ruabon and local campaigners can’t do any more, and the Welsh Government can’t do any more. We’ve done all we can – now it’s over the UK Government.”
While transport is devolved to Wales, responsibility for track, station infrastructure and signalling remains with the UK Government. Over the past 20 years, Wales has received less than 2% of the £100bn+ that that UK Government has spent on rail enhancement – despite having 5% of the population and 11% of the track miles.
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Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: “After my vigorous campaigning on Access for All at Ruabon station since I became the MP for Clwyd South in 2019, I am delighted that Network Rail are now planning to nominate Ruabon station for the UK government’s Access for All programme.
"I am working closely with Network Rail, Wrexham County Borough Council and other local stakeholders on this and strongly support Ruabon station’s nomination in order to provide an obstacle free, accessible route to and between platforms.
"I will continue to work as hard as I can to achieve step free access for Ruabon Station.”
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