Wait for train accessibility funding 'incredibly disappointing'

A train firm says it has been waiting two years for a decision on government funding it requested to improve access at three stations.

In 2022, Great Western Railway (GWR) applied to the Department for Transport (DfT) for Access for All funding for Teignmouth, Exeter St Thomas and Tiverton Parkway.

DfT said it had received more than 300 nominations.

It said it would announce successful applicants in "due course".

Matt Barnes, GWR head of strategic service development, said the company "hopes for the best".

"The investments through the access for all fund will benefit lots of different people," Mr Barnes said.

He said the investments would benefit passengers carrying luggage as well as those who use wheelchairs.

Andrew Barge, chair of trustees at Living Options Devon, said it was "incredibly disappointing".

Mr Barge said disabled and elderly visitors need to know they can "get around and enjoy their holidays" while visiting the county.

Exeter resident Katherine Last said her local station Polsloe Bridge was inaccessible and was not step free.

"I can't use a station that I can't get my wheelchair around," she said.

"If it's not step free, I just cant use it."

Ms Last said she felt "furious and appalled" over the lack of funding to make Devon train stations accessible.

She said it made her, and other disabled people, feel like a "burden".

"We have enough dehumanisation and poor treatment as it is by society and it feels like nobody takes us into consideration," she said.

DfT said it was "committed" to making transport accessible for everybody.

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