Warning flag issued as plans to install lifts at two Hampshire railway stations take a step forward
Plans to install lifts at two Hampshire railway stations will progress but with a warning flag issued over funding arrangements.
Hedge End and Swanwick are among 23 projects across the United Kingdom that will move forward to detailed design stage to provide step-free access as part of the Access for All programme.
While eight locations are progressing directly to deliver, 19 sites were called to a halt by Labour ministers following a reviewing of the 50 projects announced by the previous Conservative government.
Hamble Valley MP Paul Holmes said he was encouraged that the two stations in his constituency would be moving forward.
Mr Holmes said: “It is vitally important because Hedge End and Swanwick are growing areas and when areas grow the infrastructure needs to follow.
“I have been contacted over many years by people who are disabled, and also young families that are moving into the area, we want them to start using sustainable travel, but at the moment they can’t.
“If you are disabled, you have to travel seven miles on the motorway in a cab just to be able to get to where you need to go to have accessible lifts in the area.”
The detailed design work should be completed by autumn 2027.
Ministers will then decide which of the 23 projects will progress to delivery.
A letter from rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said affordability will be a vital consideration. Lord Hendy said a key factor in both stations progressing in the programme was match funding commitments from local authorities.
This will be a pre-requisite for the projects to be considered for full delivery, the minister added.
For Hedge End this relates to Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, while for Swanwick this just relates to the county council.
Lord Hendy’s letter encouraged constituency MPs and local partners to identify any additional funding as this would significantly increase the likelihood of step free upgrades being delivered.
Mr Holmes said: “I am urgently getting in contact with both (council) administrations to make sure that they are committed to allocate the money that’s needed.”
He added: “I made a successful case to the last government.
“It was cancelled by the Labour government and then brought back in.
“I am just pleased that the case I have made alongside my constituents has meant that the new government has allocated the funding for it to go through to the next stage.”