David Drew, Stroud District MP has made an official submission this week calling on GWR and Network Rail to make Stroud railway station a priority to receive a share of £300 million Access for All funding.

Stroud is a well-used station with a high number of passengers and serves as the main access to the rail network for Stroud district with a population of around 80,000.

Currently there is no step-free access from one platform to the other at the station and those who are unable to navigate stairs are forced to take a difficult alternative route which can take up to 15 minutes.

Additionally the long route to access the other platform requires people to cross busy roads and navigate steep hills.

“Too many people in Stroud have waited too long for decent access to our rail network. Everyone should have access to our public transport,” said Mr Drew.

“I take the train regularly from Stroud station and often see people with young children, elderly people and those with mobility problems struggling over the bridge. It is distressing and discriminatory. Investment is well over-due.’”

Over 2,500 people have already said a step-free crossing at the station is a priority, during the Neighbourhood Development Plan consultation and over 1,000 people have now signed a petition calling for the government to take action.

This comes after a detailed review of the station by Accessible Gloucester’s Christian Drewitt resulted in the station receiving one out of five stars for accessibility.

But MP David Drew says that the changes to the station must be made a priority now, in order for the district to bring crucial tourism and investment into the area.

“Stroud station has more than half a million visitors a year and the numbers are growing,” says Mr Drew’s submission.

“The town is the primary market town in Stroud district and is the main station in the district for visitors to and from London.

“Stroud District Council has a target to build 12,800 properties in the next 20 years, and the number of rail users is expected to increase.”

His appeal continues with additional reasons why the station’s improvement is so crucial as he insists that ‘good access to the town, the canal, and other transport connections are vital to Stroud’s development as a hub for visitors and residents, and to bring tourism and investment to the area.’

“I recently met with GWR’s senior team to discuss poor services, but just as vital is accessibility. I will be contacting them again to explain why improvements to Stroud must be made a priority.

“I hope that GWR pushes Stroud station forward as a priority for investment and that the government finally makes funding available. I look forward to a railway station that is welcoming to all travellers,” said Mr Drew.

The petition to bring lifts to Stroud train station can be found here: you.38degrees.org.uk