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."
 

The Stations nominated as part of this submission, listed in alphabetical order, are:-
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.