Funding application marks next phase in ambition for step free Stations across the Liverpool City Region
PLANS to make the Liverpool City Region rail network the most
accessible in the UK remain on track as a bid to make 10 more Stations step free
is confirmed. Improving accessibility at our rail Stations so that more people
can travel by train is a key part of Mayor Steve Rotheram's "Merseyrail for All"
pledge.
Currently, over ⅔ of the local rail network have step free access to
the platform, making it easier and safer for wheelchair users, people with
mobility needs or those with children in prams, luggage or bicycles to use the
platforms and trains. And as part of plans to upgrade the remaining 21 Stations,
the Combined Authority is nominating 10 of them to be considered by the
Department for Transport (DfT) for funding under the next round of its Access
for All scheme.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport and Air Quality Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool
City Region Combined Authority said:- "We recognise that being able to
independently travel across our rail network can have a huge impact on people's
everyday lives. Mayor Rotheram has made clear his ambition to make the City
Region network 1 of the most accessible in the UK and this application for
additional funding will hopefully help us move a step closer to realising that
aim. Our long term aim remains to make the whole network step free and we will
continue to develop plans for the remaining Stations which will support any
future applications as and when funding opportunities arise."
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The Stations nominated as part of this submission, listed in alphabetical order, are:- |
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| Aigburth | Port Sunlight | |
| Bromborough | Rock Ferry | |
| Cressington | Spital | |
| Earlestown | Wallasey Village | |
| Hough Green | Walton | |
The list has been compiled in line with the DfT Access for All
criteria, taking into account a number of factors including
proximity to essential services such as Hospitals and large Schools,
Station footfall figures and census data of the local population.
The final decision on whether the applications for funding for each
Station is successful will be made by DfT.
Passengers across the City Region are already benefiting from
current and previous investment into the network. A new lift was
opened at Birkenhead Park last month, with further projects close to
completion.
Merseyrail passengers can also look forward to greater accessibility
as new lifts will be up and running at Hunts Cross, Hillside and St
Michael's Stations during the next few months, while Northern
passengers will benefit as work begins on a new lift at Broad Green
Station in 2023. There are also plans for a 2nd lift at Liverpool
Central, in 2023.
Improving accessibility at Stations will also complement the
introduction of the City Region's state of the art trains, with
their pioneering sliding step technology, which are due to be phased
into service from later this year.
Letter to editor:- "Help spot child exploitation in Merseyside"
"DEAR Southport and Mersey Reporter Editor... Thousands of children and young people are subjected to horrific exploitation and abuse across the UK every year. Predators groom children in person and online, then exploit them for sex or use terrifying threats and violence to force them into crimes such as money laundering or carrying drugs in 'county lines' operations. Some are forced to work in premises like car washes and nail bars, or to beg. Any child in any community, including boys, girls and trans and non-binary children can be targeted for all types of exploitation. In Merseyside in 2020/21, child sexual exploitation was identified as a risk in 308 assessments of children referred to social services, while children going missing, which can also be a sign of young people being coerced into crime, was a factor in 427 instances. Gang involvement was highlighted in 401 assessments, and in 56 instances trafficking was deemed to be a factor; both are indicators of exploitation. However, many children are too scared to tell adults what is happening or may not trust the services that are meant to protect them. That's why during the week of Monday, 3 October 2022, The Children's Society is running a 'Look Closer' Awareness Week. The Children's Society's #Look Closer campaign, which is supported by the National PoliceChiefs Council and forces including the British Transport Police, urges not only professionals and parents, but also the public and businesses to be vigilant for signs of child exploitation and abuse and report any concerns. Everyone, from commuters, and online gamers, to shoppers and people working in public facing roles, such as:- transport, shop and hotel staff, can play their part. This winter, the cost of living crisis and financial pressures facing families may leave some children particularly vulnerable to grooming by perpetrators who offer them cash, food and gifts. Young victims may also be targeted with offers of drugs, friendship, love, status and even gaming credits. Signs of exploitation could include children having large amounts of cash or unexplained gifts; appearing under the control of others; looking lost; or travelling alone at night. Children may seem upset, anxious or scared, but trauma can also make them appear angry or aggressive. Anyone worried about a child should call Policeon 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800555111. If there is an immediate risk to a child dial:- 999. If you are on a train text British Transport Policeon:- 61016. Further advice is available from the NSPCC helpline on:- 0808800500. It's better to report a concern that proves unfounded than to miss the chance to help a child escape horrific abuse while also giving Policethe chance to bring those exploiting them to justice." Mark Russell, Chief Executive, The Children's Society.
This mist STOP! Dangerous roll call of items thrown at trains and left on the track
TRAINS operated by Northern were the target of almost
70 dangerous attacks in the last 12 months. Since August last year, its services
across the North of England were struck by 42 bricks, stones and rocks thrown
from bridges and railway embankments. Its carriages also collided with 27
'substantial items' including:- shopping trollies, pushchairs and bikes
deliberately placed on the track.
The train operator has released the information; including a map showing the
location of each incident; as part of an on going appeal to raise awareness of
how dangerous this criminal activity is.
Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, said:- "It's
bewildering to think some people find targeting trains in this way is some kind
of 'sport'; and the fact it's happening more than once a week is shocking.
Whilst the 69 affected services represent less than 0.01% of our annual fleet
movements, the impact on those caught up in 1 of these events is significant."
In February 2022, 1 of Northern's drivers (Ian Birch) was left covered in blood after
his cab window was shattered by a brick thrown in Clifton, Greater Manchester;
and in June, a 15 week old baby (Esme Emmerson) was showered with glass after
the train she was travelling on with her parents was attacked on approach to
Hull, East Yorkshire.
Williams added:- "We know these attacks are rarely carried out by a 'lone
wolf' and are more often the action of a group; where peer pressure and 'group
mob mentality' can be a contributing factor. Our message to them is simple: this
behaviour is reckless, it's dangerous and it must stop."
As part of Northern's on-going fleet upgrade, high definition CCTV that can be
monitored in real time by British Transport Police is being installed on its
trains. They are also making use of the 'what3words' system to identify the
exact location of this activity. Footage and geographical data will be supplied
by Northern to the Police to assist with any criminal prosecutions.
Acting Supt Lorna McEwan said:- "This photograph provides a startling
visual which brings to life the danger involved in throwing things onto the
tracks. Obstructing the railway is a stupid, reckless and mindless act. Placing
items on the line or throwing rocks and stones at passing trains risks the lives
of passengers and rail staff. Safety on the railway is our priority. This is not
a harmless prank; it is criminal, it is dangerous, and we will prosecute those
responsible."
Anyone who witnesses items being thrown at trains or sees someone placing items
on the track should contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016
or by calling:- 0800405040. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers,
anonymously, on:- 0800555111.
Northern operates nearly 2,000 services a day, to more than 500 Stations across
the North of England.
