Disabled access criticised at stations

A new report shows that more than half of Wales' train stations are not properly accessible to disabled passengers.

It means Karen Beattie from Prestatyn who uses a wheelchair has never travelled from her local station.

Now she campaigns for better disabled access and says the teams in charge of railways need to ask disabled people what the problems are.

She said:

"If you can't get on the station you can't use the station so the station doesn't get any funding.

"They need to consult with local disabled people to find out what the issues are and they need to take this seriously."

A spokesman for Network Rail said:

"Network Rail recognises the importance of providing facilities at stations, which make rail use easier, safe and more accessible for everyone, including customers with disabilities. 

"We are currently working with the industry to invest around £85m to improve stations in Wales by 2014, and part of that includes funding from Department for Transport to improve disabled access. 

"Stations in Prestatyn, Wrexham, Bridgend and Severn Tunnel Junction are among those set to benefit."

A spokesperson for the Welsh Assembly Government said:

"The Minister for Transport welcomes the Committee's report and will respond to its recommendations in due course.

"Only recently we gave a commitment to investing heavily in improved station accessibility."