We will continue to fight for station upgrade
Transport Secretary rejects disabled access plans
Jack Thomson
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Campaigning councillors have been told Lochwinnoch train station will not be upgraded for disabled passengers.
The station’s platform two has stairs and no disabled access, meaning passengers with mobility issues travelling from Glasgow Central cannot get off in the village.
SNP councillor Emma Rodden, whose ward covers Lochwinnoch, called for improved access at the station at a full council meeting in June.
However, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has since advised elected members that the station does not meet UK Government criteria for investment.
A defiant Councillor Rodden said: “Of course it’s a disappointment, but not wholly unexpected.
“I will continue to take advice from Renfrewshire Council officers.
“I am still hopeful and determined in equal measure.
“This was never going to be an easy feat, but our efforts will be more than worth it when we are successful and the people of Lochwinnoch are afforded the equality of opportunity they so deserve.”
Johnstone’s Milliken Park station has previously received investment to upgrade its disabled access, leaving Conservative councillor Bill Binks to suggest Lochwinnoch has been “totally ignored”.
He told the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board: “I can’t understand how we can provide £1.5 million for Milliken Park but we are saying nothing can happen for Lochwinnoch.
“The ageing population in Lochwinnoch is a very high percentage and they rely on this service. “It’s being totally ignored. “That’s what I’m getting here.” Councillor James MacLaren, leader of the Conservative group, said “more should be done” to bring disabled access to the station.
He said: “We are in an age where everything has to be disabled-friendly at the moment.
“It doesn’t seem beyond the realms of possibility to have a lift installed at either side of the station.
“Certainly more should be done here.
“As Councillor Binks says, that railway is an important asset for the village.
“Shops have to do so much to be disabled-friendly, so it doesn’t seem fair that a railway station gets away with it.”
Board convener Councillor Cathy McEwan acknowledged there was a problem with the station not having disabled access.
The SNP member suggested Renfrewshire Council writes to the UK Government as current legislation means the decision “lies within their remit”.
She said: “I do see there’s a real problem there.”
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Derek Bibby, who represents Lochwinnoch, said the outcome was “extremely disappointing”.
He added: “Following on from the withdrawal of the weekday late night bus service, it is yet another example of how the needs of Lochwinnoch’s travelling public are being ignored.”
Meanwhile, the council has rubber stamped plans to improve the footpath at the bridge and A760 running over the railway station.
This includes clearing vegetation, leaving a clear width of 1.5 metres for the footpath and installing a dropped kerb pedestrian crossing.