Monday, 28 June 2021 10:56

By Emma Downes @emma_downes2021

A long-running campaign to improve access to Chinley train station has been given a boost.

Network Rail’s Design Delivery team have surveyed the station and proposed three different step-free access options.

All proposals involve the need for a lift, while two of the options involve the Network Rail depot at the end of Cracken Close.

Chinley and Buxworth Transport Group, who have been campaigning for step-free access for a number of years, met with High Peak MP Robert Largan, local councillors, and Network Rail to discuss the proposals.

Paul Tattam, from the Group, said: “It was great to have such a positive meeting with Robert Largan and Network Rail, and really encouraging that there was such a good mix of elected representatives present.

“The amount of detailed work that had gone into this study was very impressive, and the engineers at Network Rail did a brilliant job answering questions clearly and with real depth of knowledge.”

The MP, who has raised the issue in Parliament, has also organised a petition which you can still sign at robertlargan.co.uk/chinleystation.

Mr Largan said: “I’m determined to improve our local public transport, and that includes making it more accessible for everyone.

“It’s encouraging that Chinley station is being looked at so closely, and that we’re making progress together.

“The study work is ongoing, and after it is completed, the challenge is then securing funding for the project, so there is still much to do.”

Mr Tattam added: “There remains a huge amount of public interest in getting this sorted, so please sign Robert’s petition if you haven’t already done so!”