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Search the Public Notice PortalA GOVERNMENT‑funded scheme to improve passenger access at Yeovil Junction railway station has been called a “vital step forward” by the council.
The funding will support detailed design work towards step-free access, helping disabled passengers, older residents, parents with pushchairs and anyone who finds the station difficult to use.
Nationally, fewer than half of Britain’s railway stations have full step-free access. In the Yeovil constituency, while Crewkerne station has step-free access across the whole station, both Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction only have partial access, with key facilities still missing.
Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and waste services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said confirmation that the station’s Access for All scheme is being taken forward for detailed design marks an "important milestone for inclusive transport in the county".
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He said: “This is very welcome news for Yeovil and the many people who rely on Yeovil Junction to travel for work, education and leisure.
“Improving accessibility at our stations is a vital step forward if we want our transport network to work for everyone, particularly people with disabilities, reduced mobility, parents with buggies and older residents.”
The Department for Transport has confirmed that Yeovil Junction is one of 31 stations nationally included in the current Control Period 7 programme, with funding committed to progress the detailed design of lifts and a new footbridge.
Cllr Wilkins emphasised that, at this stage, funding has been confirmed for detailed design only, with a final decision on construction dependent on the outcome of that work.
He added: “While there are no guarantees at this point, early feasibility studies have not raised any major concerns, and we remain optimistic.
“We will continue to work closely with Network Rail, South Western Railway and the Department for Transport to make the strongest possible case for delivery.”
Somerset Council has said it will keep partners and local representatives informed as the design work progresses.
Adam Dance MP for Yeovil, has welcomed the investment. He said: “I have been calling for better accessibility at Yeovil Junction since being elected, so I welcome this progress and the investment now being made.
“Too many people in our area still face barriers when travelling by train. Improving access at Yeovil Junction will make a real difference to people’s independence, confidence and day-to-day travel.
“This must now lead to real delivery on the ground. I will keep pressing the Government, Network Rail and local partners to make sure Yeovil Junction moves forward to the next stage and that these improvements are delivered as soon as possible.”
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