Train operator First Great Western is continuing its drive to make it easier for people with disabilities to use its stations.

Working with local authorities and Network Rail, First Great Western is matching funds from the Department for Transport’s 'Access for All‘ Small Schemes project, aimed at improving national rail access. Across the First Great Western region, more than 30 stations will benefit from over £500,000 of combined funding projects to be completed by 2007.

Measures include increased wheelchair ramp accessible platforms, better lighting and better crossing facilities. Smaller scale work involves the removal of obstacles, installation of hearing loops, levelling floors, applying anti-slip coatings and creating dedicated parking bays.

“Access for All funding is a real help in making it easier for all our customers to get on to stations and platforms, not just those people with impaired mobility.” Said Julian Crow, First Great Western’s Regional General Manager West of England.

A spokesperson for Cornwall County Council said: “Cornwall County Council has been committed to improving stations in Cornwall for many yeas. We want everybody to be able to use trains, so enhancing accessibility at stations
is a vital element of all our station schemes. We are delighted the Access for All fund has opened up more opportunities for us to work with First Great Western to improve our railway stations.”

Local West Country stations will provide new hearing induction loops in ticket offices at Penzance, Redruth, Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids. Work at Cornish stations includes a scheme at Camborne, and in Devon there will be new handrails and safety steps at Taunton and Tiverton, and new ramps at Dawlish.