A Highbridge resident who is standing in next week’s by-election in the town says more should be done to improve disabled access, plus overcrowded trains and services from the town’s railway station.
Liberal Democrat Victoria Weavell – who is standing against the Conservatives’ candidate Terry Dommett in the council by-election in Highbridge on November 12th issued a rallying call for more action.
Victoria Weavell, the Liberal Democrat candidate, said: “This is a long running issue which both I and Tessa Munt raised with Network Rail at the time the present footbridge was being installed, and since.”
“On every occasion, Network Rail have said that it was not possible to install a ramp rather than steps as the platforms were not long enough.”
“Whilst recognising that it is a large inconvenience to people of limited mobility, families with pushchairs – like myself – and the disabled, it seems that unless the platform is lengthened – an expensive process – a ramp such as that at Worle station is not possible in Highbridge.”
She added: “In addition to continuing to put pressure on Network Rail to resolve this issue, it is important to address with First Great Western the problems with the services from Highbridge to Taunton and Bristol.”
“Many trains are run with only two carriages and, daily, we are seeing dangerous overcrowding. Many passengers have expressed anger that this has not been resolved. As part of the regeneration of Highbridge I would like to see a general improvement in rail services from the station – and better co-ordination with the buses!”
