A REQUEST to improve disabled access at Stroud railway station is to be made by Gloucestershire County Council.

The authority has said it will raise the issue as part of a consultation to select a new management firm for the station, which is currently maintained by First Great Western on behalf of owners Network Rail.

Concerns were first raised by Stroud town councillors about a lack of facilities to assist disabled passengers between platforms.

A wooden bridge on site has no lift or ramps and a passenger with limited mobility wishing to cross the tracks would be forced to exit the station to access the adjacent platform via Rowcroft.

The consultation runs until the end of March, during which GCC will also flag up similar poor access facilities at Gloucester station.