Plans welcomed for new accessible footbridge at Nairn train station
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PLANS to build a new footbridge at Nairn train station to improve accessibility for railway passengers have been welcomed by local campaigners.
Last week operator Network Rail submitted a new planning application as part of a wider strategy set out by Transport Scotland to improve accessibility across Scotland’s stations.
Concerns were raised in previous years as the present structure makes it difficult for anyone with impaired mobility to reach either side of the station.
On the eve of the announcement about the planned improvements, Nairn and Cawdor councillor Barbara Jarvie said: “For those who cannot use the high footbridge if they have heavy luggage or shopping, small children with prams, or have impaired mobility, this requires a long walk round down a hill, then up a hill with restricted pavement to get back into the station to the car park one originated from.”
She praised the work done by the Nairn Access Panel in past years campaigning for a solution to this issue and campaigner and secretary for the group, Séamus McArdle, welcomed the long-hoped-for news.
He said: “Nairn Access Panel have lobbied for safe step-free access at the station for many years, writing to and meeting various officials and elected representatives numerous times to ensure that improvements at Nairn were included in the latest five-year tranche of funding.
“The volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure changes at Nairn station were a priority, including upgrading passenger services and the car park on platform two, and better electronic signage in the main car park at platform one.
“A lift and new bridge has always been our main target, and the publication of these plans is a positive move, but we will keep on at the authorities to make sure it happens.”
The plans being proposed would see the new footbridge – a Taziker Legacy Vision – installed to the east of the existing station building and facilities.
This will mean removing the existing footbridge as it will not be possible to change its structure to meet modern standards.
However, Network Rail said the proposals have been considered “within the context of planning and heritage policy”, given that the station’s main building has listed status.
MSP for Inverness and Nairn, Fergus Ewing, who was involved in the campaign for improved accessibility, said: “I very much welcome this application by Network Rail and look forward to learning from them and to ensure that the proposals meet the expectations of campaigners in Nairn.
“The Nairn Access Panel has long led this campaign through years of tireless effort, and often it appeared there was no prospect of success.
“I would in particular pay tribute to the work of Séamus McArdle without whose persistence we would never have reached this stage.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the panel and local people in order to ensure that the plans are thought out and effective and that the long standing barriers to access for people with a disability or impaired mobility (are removed and they) will be better able to access rail services.”
