High Peak MP Robert Largan presented a public petition calling for step free access at Chinley Station on behalf of High Peak residents last week in the House of Commons.

This follows the success of Mr Largan’s online petition, which has received over 1,000 signatures.

Presenting the petition, Mr Largan said:

“The station has no step-free access for either Manchester or Sheffield-bound trains, meaning that local residents with mobility issues or disabilities cannot access the railway. This must not be allowed to continue. I am encouraged by the national Access for All fund to improve the accessibility of railway stations, and I fully support the funding bid by Northern Rail and by Chinley and Buxworth Transport Group.”

In June last year, Network Rail’s Design Delivery team completed a viability survey of the station, and proposed three different step-free access options.

The Department for Transport’s Access for All fund is designed to enable obstacle free, accessible routes to and between platforms. Mr Largan is supporting Chinley and Buxworth Transport Group’s bid for funding.

Recently, Northern Rail have also announced their intention to support a bid under the Access for All fund.

The Department for Transport will now issue a formal response to Mr Largan’s petition.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented: 

“Since my election, I have consistently campaigned for more investment in our transport infrastructure. A key part of this must be ensuring that our railways are accessible for everyone.

“We are finally moving closer to positive change, with a very strong bid to the Access for All fund by the Chinley and Buxworth Transport Group. I also welcome warmly Northern Rail’s intention to support a bid for funding.

“It’s important that we keep up the pressure now to secure this funding.

“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet signed my petition to do so by visiting www.robertlargan.co.uk/chinleystation.”