RAIL users with mobility needs have been given a boost after upgrades to lift access at Warrington stations were carried out.

Northern and Network Rail have delivered a new project to transform accessibility at 25 north west train stations, including Warrington Central, Warrington West and Birchwood.

Lift working hours have now been extended to ensure that when trains are running, lifts can be used, and passengers with special mobility needs will have reliable, step-free access to platforms.

The project is part of a wider work by the rail industry to improve accessibility to stations and trains as well as modernise the network.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Central Station

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “We have inherited an ageing infrastructure with many of our stations tracing their heritage and facilities back to the Victorian era.

“As an industry, we are working hard to modernise the network, and the improvements made to the lifts will enhance the overall experience for our customers.

“This is a phased project to deliver improved accessibility and we will seek to roll out similar improvements at other stations in the future.”

Warrington Guardian:

Birchwood Station (Credit: Google Maps)

Stephen Brookes, minister for disabled people’s rail sector champion, added: “It is vitally important that the large number of disabled passengers who travel by rail are supported by projects which make trains and stations more accessible.

“I am very pleased to see that Northern is continuing to empower disabled people to access rail services independently.

“By making changes and improvements to the lift operation times at many stations, this is another positive step toward a truly integrated transport system.”

Other notable north west train stations which have seen upgrades to lift facilities include Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, Newton-le-Willows, St Helens Central, Huyton, Roby, and Wigan Wallgate.