Station fight goes on
Can I add my voice to that of the other three ward councillors for Lochwinnoch who are all determined to continue the fight for disabled access at Lochwinnoch train station? (Express, November 12)
At least the current SNP administration on Renfrewshire Council has kept its part of the bargain to provide upgraded crossing facilities, which was an amendment I moved, and Councillor Bibby seconded, and which Councillor Rodden accepted as a positive addition to her motion at the June full council meeting.
However, while it is true that Westminster, under current legislation, is responsible for disability access at all UK railway stations the letter to all councillors from Transport Secretary Michael Matheson MSP, on September 11, states:“I understand the difficulties passengers experience when using Lochwinnoch station.
“However, with the limited funding available, we are having to prioritise which stations receive improvements.”
Even though accessibility for railway stations is within the remit of Westminster, it is Scottish ministers and Transport Scotland that rank the station nominations and nominate which stations are to be considered.
This, sadly, sounds to me like an SNP political decision rather than one based on any objective criteria.
It is stated by governments at both Holyrood and Westminster that Lochwinnoch station does not meet their criteria for upgrade.
Well, my response to both of them is that failing to upgrade the station puts Scotrail in potential breach of the 2010 Equality Act, which guarantees access for those with disabilities seeking access to employment, housing, goods and services.
I call on Tom Arthur MSP, who represents Lochwinnoch, to liaise with the transport spokespeople of the Labour, Green, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat Groups, to table an all-party motion on the floor of the Scottish Parliament to ensure Lochwinnoch’s voice is heard on this crucial matter.
Councillor Andy Doig (Independent), Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch Ward