Call to ensure funding is released to make Stockport stations accessible for all

Stockport Council has called on the Government to ensure that train stations in Stockport are accessible for all following the well-received u-turn on ticket office closures.

In October, it was announced that the proposal to close ticket offices across the country had been reversed.

Ahead of the Chancellor presenting his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons on Wednesday, November 22, Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, has called on the Government to ensure that funding is made available to remedy the access issues at the borough’s train stations.

In September 2022, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) applied for Government funding via the Access for All scheme to begin work on 11 train stations that were deemed a priority, which included Woodsmoor, Davenport, Bredbury and Woodley.

However, TfGM is awaiting an update from the Department for Transport, which the council hopes could come in the autumn statement on Wednesday.

“We’re obviously really happy that the ticket offices have remained open and that railway users will be able to seek assistance ahead of their journeys,” Cllr Baynham said.

“But we are hoping that money is made available for the ‘Access for All’ scheme so the work on further access improvements can start and be completed.

“It is a really important issue, and it will help residents travel around the borough of Stockport and further afield.

“I believe that all stations in Stockport should be made step free and accessible to all residents who want to use them, and I really hope we hear some good news on Wednesday.”