NORTHWICH Station will be a candidate for disability enhancements when new funding becomes available, ministers have confirmed.

The lack of disabled access at the station has been a long-running issue, with local rail campaigners, councillors and the borough’s MP Mike Amesbury all repeatedly raising it with the government and rail bosses.

A footbridge meant anyone in a wheelchair, with mobility issues or with a pram or buggy was unable to cross platforms, with some even having to remain on the train and cross at a more suitable station further down the line before returning to Northwich on the opposite platform.

The station is currently awaiting a rebuild after its roof collapsed last May, with ministers confirming recently repair work would begin this year.

Northwich Guardian: Mike Amesbury, rail campaigners and councillors have been pushing for disability enhancements at Northwich Station.Mike Amesbury, rail campaigners and councillors have been pushing for disability enhancements at Northwich Station.

But in a letter to Mr Amesbury last November, the government confirmed rennovations to make it more accessible was not part of the rebuild. This was despite plans already having been drawn up for lifts as an alternative to the stepped footbridge.

Mr Amesbury recently quizzed ministers again on the accessibility issue, asking what assessment the Department for Transport had made of the need to introduce step-free access between the platforms at Northwich Station.

Replying, transport minister Wendy Morton, said: “We are in the process of setting the funding envelopes for the next rail control period (2024-29).

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