Pressure is on to provide disabled access at train station (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Pressure is on to provide disabled access at Manningtree train station

5:00pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in Harwich and Manningtree News By Helen Barnett

LEADERS have vowed to lobby train operators to help disabled passengers who feel forced to take dangerous routes to their trains.

Wheelchair users at Manningtree train station have been known to be carried over rail tracks or down subway steps to reach their train.

An underpass with steep narrow stairs is the only access between platforms for passengers leaving or joining the London to Norwich route, or transferring from the Mayflower Line. Disabled passengers, parents with prams, or tourists with large suitcases must call ahead to organise a ramp to be laid down, or ask for a station worker to escort them across tracks.

A Tendring Council report has recommended the Cabinet agree to lobby Greater Anglia for proper access for disabled at the station.

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: "We are continuing to work with our partners including Bernard Jenkin MP to try and secure future DfT 'Access for All' funding to facilitate accessibility improvements at Manningtree station."