DISABLED people are being treated as ‘second-class citizens’ according to the town's MP after Government rejected calls to make Northwich Railway Station fully accessible as part of a rebuild.

Mike Amesbury has received a ministerial response confirming accessibility improvements won’t be included when the station is restored following its partial collapse in May.

Instead it has been suggested a grant application should be lodged for the next funding round in 2024.

This is despite plans already having been drawn up for lifts as an alternative to the stepped footbridge that makes the far platform out of bounds to the elderly and disabled.

The angry MP for Weaver Vale said: "It’s scandalous.

"Disabled people and those with mobility restrictions are being treated as second-class citizens, denied access to a public service.

"Here we have an opportunity to build back better to coin a phrase. Improvements that are desperately needed. And yet Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is saying ‘no’ yet again.

"I’ve been calling for this since 2017 but now we are being told it will be 2024 at the very earliest and no guarantees.

"Funding should be based on need not this ridiculous situation based on competing with other inaccessible stations.

"They are also looking for matched funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council, which has no responsibility for the railways and is doing its best to look after our most vulnerable despite having lost £466m in Government grant since 2010.

"Boris and this shower spout off on a lot of things, including levelling up opportunities across the country, but actions speak louder than words.”

Minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP, responding on behalf of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, wrote: "The current scope of the project is to rebuild part of the station building which contains a waiting room and ticket office.

"The footbridge was not impacted by the partial collapse of the station building and does not qualify for upgrading as part of the rebuild.”

He added: "Obviously, all inaccessible stations deserve funding, and you may find it useful to know that we are in the process of setting the funding envelopes for the next control period (2024-29).

"I would therefore recommend you look at possible sources of match funding and continue to engage with stakeholders including Cheshire West and Chester Council to ensure that Northwich is a high priority for the industry.

"When further funding is available, any station without an accessible route into the station and to all platforms will be a potential candidate."