Janet Finch-Saunders MS, who has been working on improving access between Dolgarrog Railway Station and Dolgarrog for several years, and has helped secure £1.9m investment in the pipe bridge, is pleased to confirm that access to the railway station has now been improved.
For years the Member of the Welsh Parliament and local residents have been raising concerns that wheelchairs, bikes, and prams cannot get through the gate on the western side of the railway crossing. Network Rail have now removed a quadrant of metalwork and closed the gap with a timber rail to match the existing fence.
Welcoming the news that positive action has been taken, Janet said:
“I hope that the new layout makes the gate easier for all to use.
“When £2m has been spent on re-pairing and re-opening Dolgarrog bridge, and £1m on making the railway station flood resilient, it beggars belief that accessibility has been hindered by a bad gate arrangement.
“I welcome the recent action by Network Rail, and now hope that a longer term option will be implemented next financial year”.
Network Rail have asked an engineer to visit the site to find solutions to make the crossing compliant for cyclists. They have also set up a camera to monitor the current usage, conduct a risk assessment, and ensure that the crossing meets the needs of its users.
ENDS
Photos:
The new gate arrangements (by Network Rail)
