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Leigh On Sea News: Rail Minister Visits – THE Minister of State at the Department of Transport visited Chalkwell Station
Rail Minister Visits - THE Minister of State at the Department of Transport visited Chalkwell Station
Leigh On Sea News: Rail Minister Visits – THE Minister of State at the Department of Transport visited Chalkwell Station amidst mounting pressure for improved accessibility, particularly for disabled individuals and parents with pushchairs.
Invited by Southend West MP Anna Firth, Mr. Merriman arrived at the station on Thursday, April 18, responding to concerns regarding delays and changes to the installation of a new lift.
Councillors of the ward were also present as all joined forces to underline the importance of the lift for the local community.
After the meeting, Ms Firth said: “I was truly delighted to welcome the brilliant Huw Merriman MP to Chalkwell Station, to discuss the continuing, outrageous delays to installing a new lift.
“Huw became the first Rail Minister to visit a c2c Rail station since 2018 and we believe he’s the first Rail Minister to ever come to Southend. “
Mrs Allen-King from Westcliff, who is blind, has campaigned for a lift at Chalkwell for many decades.
She previously told Leigh New: “I’ve been campaigning for over 40 years to get the lift put in at Chalkwell station. They’ve got the money for it.
“It’s scandalous.”
Ms Firth added: “The delays to the lift are completely inexcusable, despite being initially promised funding for the lift in 2019, it kept getting delayed and finally when work was meant to start in Spring 2024, it was delayed again.
“The date keeps getting kicked further down the road, which is completely inexcusable.
“Further delays mean that people like the inspirational disability campaigner, Jill Allen-King are forced to walk down the steps to access the platform, which is quite simply, dangerous.
“I was glad to welcome the Minister and key stakeholders, including c2c, Network Rail and local councillors to make it crystal clear that further delays will not be accepted and work needs to start as soon as possible for all my constituents.
“I will continue to hold them to account until this infrastructure project is fully delivered.”
Picture: Transport Minister, Mrs Allen-King, Anna Firth and councillors. Pic Ms Firth.
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