A DECISION on whether improvements are set to be made at the Stroud railway station could be made 'very quickly'.
This is according to rail minister Huw Merriman who visited the town's railway station with MP Siobhan Baillie plus Joe Graham of Great Western Railway.
Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie took the minister to visit the town’s railway station to see first-hand why it needs improved access for the disabled and those with children.
The MP has been campaigning for step free access at the station as many people must walk around the town to get to the platform they want if they have mobility issues or buggies and prams.
Ms Baillie has struggled herself when using the station with her two children.
She recently took the minister Huw Merriman and GWR to look at what could be done using government money from the Access for All fund.
Ms Baillie said: "I think Stroud railway station is a prime location for money from the fund and after bringing the Secretary of State down last year, I have kept up the pressure by showing the rail minister some of the issues and how many locals struggle to use the station properly because of the steps they must negotiate.
“I know GWR is keen to see improvements too.
"I thank the minister for coming and being so positive about what I would like to see happen.”
Huw Merriman added: “Siobhan has made a very strong case locally and in parliament for access improvements at Stroud railway station.
“I have been able to see the station on a visit and see what Access for All will really do for constituents.
“We now have more money available - £350 million - and we are going to look to take 50 stations through that.
"There are 300 very good bids across the country but no-one has worked harder than Siobhan to make the case.
“Bear with us, we are looking to make a decision very, very quickly.”
A Great Western Railway spokesperson said: "Accessibility is a key issue for GWR and the railway as a whole and improving the opportunity for passengers to use our services by developing facilities is something we are always supportive of.
"We are committed to working with Siobhan and the Minister to look at ways of achieving this at Stroud as we are at all of our stations.
"Ensuring our services are available to as many people as possible and breaking down barriers to enable rail travel for all is a key focus for GWR.
"We look forward to working with the Minister and his team to do so when funding is made available in the future."
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